Some senators want SC to decide on impeachment voting threshold

Supreme Court building — INQUIRER PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – With the voting threshold needed to convict or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte up in question once again, Senator-judges Raffy Tulfo and JV Ejercito prefer that the Supreme Court (SC) be tasked to decide whether or not the basis of a two-thirds vote should be 24 senators or lower. Asked for their opinion on the matter, both Tulfo and Ejercito told the media that the decision should be taken up by the SC. “In my opinion, let the Supreme Court decide rather than us,” Tulfo said. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Senate impeach court eyes Sept. 23 ruling on votes to convict Duterte In a separate interview, Ejercito stated: “If it were me, I would have wanted it in the Supreme Court so that we wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. But it depends on what the impeachment court, the judges, want.” Discussions on the voting threshold came up again after Tulfo’s younger brother, Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo, appealed on Tuesday to revisit Presiding Officer and Senator-judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s ruling to uphold the 16-vote requirement in convicting Duterte. According to the younger Tulfo, there may be a need to revisit since three of their colleagues have been unable to physically participate in the proceedings thus far. But due to the “sensitive and serious nature” of the issue, Escudero ruled that the court will seek the opinion of amicus curiae (Latin for “friends of the court”) on Sept. 16 so that they may be provided with expertise and guidance in resolving the matter. Article continues after this advertisement The court will also hear the oral arguments of the prosecution and the defense on Sept. 23 before Senator-judges vote on whether or not it will overturn Escudero’s ruling. When Escudero made the ruling on July 6, the first day of Duterte’s trial, he said that those who oppose such may take the matter to the SC. Article continues after this advertisement By that time, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was already in hiding since May 14 from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity during the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. READ: Gatchalian: Up to court if Marcoleta, Estrada can join impeachment trial Sen. Jinggoy Estrada had already been arrested on June 1 for plunder after he allegedly received kickbacks from flood control projects. The Sandiganbayan ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against Estrada on June 16. Likewise, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was apprehended on July 6, over plunder supposedly tied to a P75 million campaign donation that he failed to declare. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Marcoleta and Estrada are both currently detained in the New Quezon City Jail. /das