Manila:House Prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno of the Akbayan Party-list stated that the Senate impeachment court's recent change in the voting-threshold rule will not affect the prosecution's duty to present evidence and prove the four Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, the court decided by a vote of 13-1, with six senators not participating, to change the previous requirement of 16 votes for a conviction. The new rule will calculate a two-thirds majority based on senator-judges who are legally and factually able to vote at the time of the final decision.

Diokno emphasized that the prosecution's task remains unchanged regardless of the number of votes needed for conviction. He stated that their focus is to present evidence and lay out the case to the best of their ability.

The court's decision on the voting threshold affects how the necessary two-thirds majority will be calculated but does not alter the evidence, testimonies, or the prosecution's burden.

Diokno refrained from speculating on the implications of the six senator-judges refusing to participate in the threshold vote, noting that it is an internal matter for the court.

House prosecution panel spokesperson Ace Barbers highlighted the importance of providing the court with a clear evidentiary basis for its decision. He affirmed the panel's commitment to presenting evidence and witnesses effectively and respecting the threshold ruling without seeing it as indicative of Duterte's final judgment.

Barbers added that the court must still hear the remaining witnesses, the defense's presentation, and any additional evidence before reaching a decision. The prosecution is committed to maintaining its approach, regardless of the vote count required.