Threshold vote no preview of final verdict on Sara Duterte, says Luistro

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of six senator-judges to abstain from voting on the conviction threshold for Vice President Sara Duterte does not reflect how they will rule on her ultimate guilt or innocence, prosecution leaders said Thursday.

During a press conference, lead prosecutor and Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro clarified that a senator’s stance on procedural matters differs from their vote on the final verdict.

“I believe that the position of the senator-judges depends on the question confronting them,” Luistro said. “Their position on the threshold vote does not necessarily show their position on the verdict.”

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READ: Consistent, Luistro says of OVP after COA flags its transactions anew

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The impeachment court approved the revised voting formula on Wednesday in a 13–1 vote, with six senator-judges opting not to participate.

When asked if those same senators might sit out the final verdict, prosecution team member and Rep. Terry Ridon said participation could shift as the trial progresses.

“They might not have participated in this particular question,” Ridon said. “I think that on the next question, they will participate.”

Under the court’s threshold ruling, the tribunal must determine at the time of the final vote which senators remain legally and factually capable of participating. Luistro noted that physical presence during the final proceedings will directly impact the required voting numbers.

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“If they are not present when they cast their vote, that will affect the denominator again,” Luistro explained.

Luistro cautioned against interpreting the procedural vote as a preview of the trial’s outcome, emphasizing that the prosecution has not yet finished presenting its case. The panel is still delivering evidence regarding the Vice President’s alleged unexplained wealth, with an additional article on alleged bribery yet to be introduced.

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“We are not even done with unexplained wealth,” Luistro said. “We still have a remaining article—that is bribery. After that, it will be the turn of the defense to present their evidence. And that’s the only time that the impeachment court will be deciding on the conviction or acquittal of the respondent Vice President.”

Luistro expressed confidence that the senator-judges would evaluate the complete evidence before rendering a verdict.

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“I have so much respect for all the members of the impeachment court,” she said. “I know they studied this carefully to come up with a fair and impartial judgment when the time comes for them to cast their vote.” /mr