The Executive branch will not intervene in questions over the number of votes needed to convict Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio in her impeachment trial, Malacañang said on Monday, as reported by BusinessWorld. Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the Palace would not take a position on proposals to lower the constitutional threshold for conviction after some senators became divided on the issue.
Under the 1987 Constitution, conviction in an impeachment trial requires a two-thirds vote of all Senate members. Some senators have suggested reducing this to a simple majority, arguing that the current threshold is too high and could lead to political gridlock. However, the Palace maintains that the matter is purely legislative and should be decided by the Senate alone.
The statement from Malacañang reiterates the administration's respect for the separation of powers, as the impeachment trial of the Vice-President continues to unfold. The Senate is expected to deliberate on the voting threshold in the coming weeks, with no indication of executive interference.