MANILA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Senate impeachment court on Wednesday voted to overturn its July ruling that required at least 16 senators' votes to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, a move seen as lowering the vote threshold for her impeachment conviction.
Under the newly adopted rule, the basis for conviction votes shall only cover senators who remain legally and factually capable of taking part in the impeachment proceedings at the time of voting. The Philippines has 24 senators, four of whom are currently unable to perform their duties due to detention, unknown whereabouts or medical leave abroad.
Under the Philippine Constitution, if two-thirds or more of the senators vote in favor of the impeachment, Sara will be convicted, removed from office, and barred from holding public office for life.
Thirteen senators voted in favor of the rule change and one voted against, with six senator-judges not participating. Sara's legal team on Wednesday said it is not discounting the possibility of bringing the issue of the conviction threshold before the Supreme Court.
The Philippine Senate in July commenced the impeachment trial against Sara. The articles of impeachment accused her of corruption, assassination plots and patterns of abuse, among others. Sara has denied these allegations. ■
