Manila: Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday clarified that his inquiry regarding vote counting methods in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial was not intended to reduce the constitutional threshold for conviction.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo explained in a chance interview that his primary concern centered on whether senator-judges who are unable to participate in the final vote should still be included in the base count to determine the required number of votes for a decision. He emphasized that his question was not about lowering the threshold but about accounting for colleagues who might be absent due to various reasons such as being abroad or on leave during the crucial vote.

Tulfo highlighted the relevance of this issue, noting that some senator-judges might be unavailable when the impeachment court ultimately votes on Duterte's case. During Tuesday's trial, he questioned whether the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority of 'all the Members of the Senate' should be based on the entire 24-member chamber or solely on those senator-judges present and able to vote.

He stressed the importance of resolving this query before the final vote to avoid any confusion over the application of the constitutional threshold. "Para pag-usapan na natin. Para walang sisihan. Ano ba talaga (So, let's discuss it already. So there will be no blaming. What is it really)?" Tulfo remarked.

The impeachment court has agreed to seek insights from amici curiae, or friends of the court, and to hear oral arguments from both the prosecution and defense before making a decision on the issue on Sept. 23. When asked about Duterte's potential personal appearance, Tulfo stated that the impeachment trial serves as the appropriate venue for the Vice President to address the allegations. However, he maintained that Duterte could not be compelled to appear, citing the precedent set during the impeachment trial of former president Joseph Estrada, who was not forced to personally appear before the Senate.