Overview
- The Senate sitting as an impeachment court ruled that only senator‑judges who can participate in the trial are counted when calculating the two‑thirds majority needed to convict.
- Because four of the 24 senator‑judges are currently unable to take part, the decision reduces the required votes from 16 to 14 for a conviction.
- The procedural motion passed with 13 votes in favor, six senator‑judges not participating and one vote against, underscoring divisions in the chamber.
- Vice President Sara Duterte denies wrongdoing, her lawyers say she will take part cautiously and reserve the right to seek legal remedies, and she also faces separate criminal 'grave threats' charges.
- A conviction would remove Duterte from office and bar her from future officeholding, a result that would disqualify her from the 2028 presidential race and could shift political alliances and campaign plans.