Chel Diokno: Prosecution to respect court's voting threshold decision

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The prosecution team will respect whatever decision the Senate impeachment court makes on the voting threshold needed to either convict or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno said on Sunday.

“We believe that this matter is truly in the hands of the Senate as the impeachment court. Whatever decision they make on this issue, we will respect it,” Diokno told Super Radyo dzBB.

Diokno said the prosecution team is not focused on the number of votes needed for conviction but on presenting solid evidence before the impeachment court to secure Duterte’s conviction.

“We are not focused on the issue of the voting threshold. Our focus is on presenting the strongest possible case. Whatever decision the Senate impeachment court makes, we will abide by it,” Diokno said.

Oral arguments between the prosecution and defense teams are scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2026, in relation to the 16-vote threshold currently set for Duterte’s conviction.

In a separate dzBB interview, Senator JV Ejercito said he hoped senator-judges would be given time to study the arguments and inputs presented on the voting threshold.

“I'm asking for a few days, if possible, to absorb and study it,” he said.

Earlier this week, senator-judges sought the insights of former Supreme Court justices on whether senators who are detained, in hiding or abroad should be included in the voting on whether to convict or acquit Duterte.

Three of the four legal experts said the Senate impeachment court could change the 16-vote threshold for conviction, arguing that the Senate has the authority to try and decide impeachment cases.

Currently, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained over separate plunder charges, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is in hiding amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Senator Loren Legarda, meanwhile, has been absent for weeks due to health concerns and is currently abroad.— MCG, GMA News