LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Sept. 23, 2026

‘HUWAG PO NATING KALIMUTAN ANG MGA PUMASLANG’

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticized the Senate impeachment court’s decision to amend its interpretation of the voting threshold for conviction in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying the decision undermined the Constitution’s requirement for conviction.

Roque made the remark after the court ruled that the two-thirds requirement would be based on senator-judges who are legally and factually capable of participating in the proceedings. #VPonTrial

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KOTT5

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y5QYN

READ MORE: https://t.co/dVRBy0Gsap

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution is relying on its evidence to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial — not a modified voting threshold, former Rep

The SC can review the voting threshold in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial only if she’s convicted, says House prosecutor Chel Diokno.

Despite the ruling on the conviction threshold, the job of the prosecution panel would not be easier, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said.

The word “threshold” has been at the center of discussions following the Senate impeachment court’s latest ruling on the voting requirement in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial.

But what exactly does threshold mean, and how does it apply to impeachment proceedings?

Here’s a quick explainer. #VPonTrial

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KOTT5

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y5QYN

READ MORE: https://t.co/dVRBy0Gsap

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

How many votes are needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte?

The Senate impeachment court decided on September 23 that the two-thirds conviction threshold is not fixed at 16 votes. Under the new ruling, senators who are detained, sought by law, suffering from medical conditions, and beyond the coercive powers of the Senate are excluded from the voting base. #VPonTrial

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KOTT5

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y5QYN

Read more: https://t.co/HHN8pFkU4U

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate impeachment court earlier voted to revise the 16-vote threshold needed to convict Duterte in her impeachment trial.

‘DOES NOT SHRINK FROM ACCOUNTABILITY NOR DOES SHE FEAR’

Atty. Sheila Sison said Vice President Sara Duterte does not fear the outcome of her impeachment trial, following the Senate Impeachment Court’s move to revise the voting threshold for conviction.

The defense lawyer’s statement came after 13 senator-judges voted to amend the earlier ruling requiring 16 votes to convict, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from both the prosecution and defense camps. #VPonTrial

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KOTT5

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y5QYN

READ MORE: https://t.co/PvJtsIbJD4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘MOST HUMAN, MOST SINCERE’

Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, one of the legal counsel for Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, expressed respect for Senator-judge Camille Villar after her emotional appeal to respect absent senators during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. #VPonTrial

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KPrID

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y6oOl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero opposes lowering votes needed to convict the vice president, but says other judges can overturn his decision.

Vice President Sara Duterte “does not shrink from accountability, nor does she fear the outcome of this impeachment trial,” according to her lead defense counsel Shiela Sison.

WHO CAN’T VOTE?

With the Senate impeachment court ruling to adjust the threshold needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero has laid down specific conditions on who will not be allowed to vote once they decide on the case. #VPonTrial

READ MORE: https://t.co/u1sw957qW6

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/4jXg8KPrID

Watch our livestream here: https://t.co/Ur6s3y6oOl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate impeachment court ruled on the 29th day of the trial that the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte is not fixed at 16.Here are the highlights from the September 23 proceedings. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo637I… pic.twitter.com/64lC7hxyJg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘THEY’RE NOT GUILTY’Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo clarified his remarks about absent senators, stressing he never said the detained senators have already been convicted.Senator-judge Mark Villar, supporting her sister Camille’s sentiment, urges fellow lawmakers to be mindful of… pic.twitter.com/sarJHuLzHl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘HINDI KAILANGANG 16’Akbayan Partlylist Rep. Chel Diokno said the Senate Impeachment Court’s ruling means only participating senator-judges will be counted in determining the conviction threshold in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, making the required number of… pic.twitter.com/xlmFBVSe0Q

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison says Vice President Sara Duterte does not shrink from accountability and does not fear the outcome of the impeachment trial, after senator-judges voted to lower the conviction threshold.Sison says Duterte’s participation in the trial is ad… pic.twitter.com/g2tcluu5DS

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Defense counsel Sheila Sison said Sara Duterte will participate in the proceedings with extreme caution and with all her rights reserved.

Senate President Francis Escudero lays out the guidelines for applying the Senate impeachment court’s new ruling on the two-thirds vote required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo637IWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/Zoj086sExF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘PABABA NANG PABABA, PATAAS NANG PATAAS’Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano likens the debate over the impeachment conviction threshold to “Spaghetti,” referencing the popular Filipino song.He emphasizes that the proceedings are not a laughing matter. #VPonTrialFollow our… pic.twitter.com/ZmwG2bzsYM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘TULOY ANG PROSECUTION’Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said the Senate Impeachment Court’s ruling on the conviction threshold does not change the constitutional two-thirds vote required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the prosecution will… pic.twitter.com/rgv8f0EAfM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Defense counsel Michael Poa says the two-thirds supermajority requirement serves as a constitutional safeguard not only for the respondent but also for the senator-judges. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/YhY1RdqYoB

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Rep. Chel Diokno says the prosecution’s responsibility remains the same regardless of whether the court maintains the 16-vote threshold or determines another number. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/kZSxSJTyz3

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

House prosecutor and Rep. Chel Diokno stresses the importance of senator-judges’ active participation in the impeachment proceedings as he delivers the prosecution’s oral arguments on the conviction threshold. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo637I… pic.twitter.com/GYWK7W7XZT

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate impeachment court grants Sen. Erwin Tulfo’s appeal challenging the July 6 ruling that set the conviction threshold at 16 votes, effectively lowering the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/tLWx5k3Foo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate impeachment court grants Sen. Erwin Tulfo’s appeal challenging the July 6 ruling that set the conviction threshold at 16 votes, effectively lowering the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/tLWx5k3Foo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has laid down specific conditions on who will not be allowed to vote once they decide on the case.

Thirteen senator-judges voted to reduce the threshold needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. Present members of the minority bloc, except Senator-judge Mark Villar, did not participate. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our… pic.twitter.com/UCAO0XbVQH

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘SANAY NAMAN AKO MAGING CONVICTED, PERO ‘WAG NAMAN GANYAN’Senator-judge Robin Padilla stressed that the Senate minority is facing a difficult situation and appealed to his fellow lawmakers not to treat their absent and detained members as if they were already convicted.… pic.twitter.com/DVFXaQ1LWE

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate Impeachment Court ruled that the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte will depend on how many senator-judges are present.

Senator-judge Camille Villar calls on her colleagues to stop the attacks against absent senators as the impeachment court reconsider the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our… pic.twitter.com/cWD2oGZTb4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The Senate impeachment court voted to lower the conviction threshold in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial.

The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday reduced the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte.

BREAKING: The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday decides to reduce the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here: https://t.co/En3LdH5DNJ pic.twitter.com/0pLkTzrzxc

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The impeachment trial resumed without all minority Senators but Sen. Mark Villar. Previously, the some Senator-judges from the minority expressed not wanting to participate to the voting on the threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial | @keithcloresINQFollow our live… pic.twitter.com/LztR9pp8qX

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

In response to Tulfo’s pronouncement, Senator-judge Camille Villar came to the defense of her fellow minority senators

The Senate impeachment court will proceed to divide the floor on the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte after majority of its members voted on Wednesday against a motion to defer doing so. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXg… pic.twitter.com/2pMioTtOcM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Senator-judge Camille Villar appealed for respect for fellow senator-judges who were not physically present at the impeachment trial.

Defense counsel Michael Poa said they may bring the issue before the Supreme Court if the impeachment court changes the conviction threshold.

‘WHO ARE WE TO QUALIFY WHAT THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF DID NOT?’Senator-judge Bong Go said the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote of all Senate members should apply to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, arguing that senators who are absent or under… pic.twitter.com/zx45jGrh2Q

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

According to Diokno, the decision on whether there is a need to bring down the number of votes needed to convict Duterte

The Senate impeachment court will proceed to divide the floor on the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte after majority

WATCH: Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano said he will not participate in the voting on whether or not the threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte will be changed. #VPonTrial | @keithcINQFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/4ssLOop9Pb

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘CAN WE STOP THESE ATTACKS ON EACH OTHER?’Senator-judge Camille Villar delivers an emotional appeal to her colleagues to respect their fellow lawmakers, whether on or off the Senate floor, and to stop casting unproven allegations of theft and plunder against the detained… pic.twitter.com/UMSChnByar

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

As the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues, the defense and prosecution have offered opposing views on whether the Senate should change the conviction voting threshold when senator-judges are absent. #VPonTrialREAD MORE: https://t.co/JUInXk7nXdFollow… pic.twitter.com/TUyUpvKkSg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Senator-judge Bong Go asked to explain his vote on whether or not the floor should be divided to decide on the threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte before the presiding officer called for a lunch break, saying in jest that he might be left alone when they return.Go made the… pic.twitter.com/VBjh48Unet

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano on vote threshold issue: If we’re going to vote on this issue, we’re not going to participate because we don’t think it’s a matter that we can vote on. You don’t vote on what’s right or wrong. No, so we don’t think it’s a matter of interpretation… pic.twitter.com/xrBObUBEFh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Voting 13-6-1, the Senate impeachment court decided to continue voting on the conviction threshold in Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Changing the vote threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in the impeachment trial may affect constitutional provisions

JUST IN: The motion of Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano to defer the vote on the threshold required to convict VP Sara Duterte was lost after a 13 Senator-judges pushed for the opposite.Cayetano was joined by his sister, Senator-judges Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla,… pic.twitter.com/jmoZpwxU3X

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

“Baka ito na rin ang huli kong araw dito.”Senator-judge Robin Padilla appeals to his fellow senators to understand the situation of the minority, as he defends the absent senators amid the debate on the impeachment trial’s voting threshold.Padilla says: “Pinaliliwanag lang po… pic.twitter.com/YPVY0cTmjO

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo apologizes for remarks about fellow senators that may have caused offense, clarifying that he did not say the detained senators were convicted of plunder.”May mga nasaktan sa aking nabanggit tungkol sa ating mga kasamahan. Ako po ay humihingi ng… pic.twitter.com/O6akiM1FL7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

CONVICTION THRESHOLD DEBATE Both the prosecution and defense present oral arguments on whether to adjust the Senate’s voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte on Day 29 of her impeachment trial at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, Sept. 23. #VPonTrial [1/4]… pic.twitter.com/hr0t83PPYt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Poa says the word ‘mistrial’ does not exist in Philippine jurisdiction, but may be brought up upon grave abuse of discretion. #VPonTrial | @keithcINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here: https://t.co/En3LdH5DNJ pic.twitter.com/RKDqEmqWCq

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

LOOK: Senator-judge Camille Villar sheds tears as she pleads for respect towards absent Senators, while the impeachment court reconsider the voting threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte.Villar: Kasi lahat naman po ng wala dito, hindi naman po sila napatunayan na may sala. Hindi… pic.twitter.com/bTyZF3mRXe

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Poa said the defense maintains that the voting threshold to convict Duterteshould be based on the full 24-member Senate.

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno has asked the Senate impeachment court whether it will be the vacant seats of absent senator-judges

“Those senators have not been convicted.”Senator-judge Camille Villar calls on her fellow senators to stop making personal attacks against colleagues who are absent from the impeachment proceedings, including those currently detained.”Those senators have not been convicted.… pic.twitter.com/GOSdAwlX6n

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

‘PARANG SPAGHETTI NA ANG IMPEACHMENT’Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano emphasizes the seriousness of the impeachment proceedings and underscores the gravity of the ongoing trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.Cayetano remarks that shifting alliances, likened to the well-known… pic.twitter.com/i44njumeXZ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

House prosecutor and Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said the voting threshold needed to convict VP Sara Duterte is “not fixed at 16”.

Atty. Poa: If we were to lower the threshold here, we will not be lowering the threshold in a vacuum. May consequences po yan. Marami pong Constitutional provisions na maapektuhan. For example, yung pag extend o pagrevoke ng Martial Law, yung pag expel ng members ng Senado.More… pic.twitter.com/IGs2GdwPjd

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Senate Minority Leader Alan Cayetano says he prefers that if theres a question on the threshold, it should be brought before the Supreme Court. #VPonTrial | @MAgerINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo6AXgWatch our livestream here: https://t.co/En3LdH5DNJ pic.twitter.com/KwAZtCwKbP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa says the two-thirds supermajority requirement serves as a constitutional safeguard not only for the respondent but also for the senator-judges.“If absence, detention would change the denominator, then, Your Honors, you will be opening… pic.twitter.com/K0oHfgAYne

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa argues that the Constitution’s language is clear: the conviction threshold is two-thirds of “all the members of the Senate.”He points out that the provision does not say “all members present” or “all members participating.”The Senate is… pic.twitter.com/0VMPh5mO9d

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

The court will retain in its records the term “respondent-accused,” which Sara Duterte’s lawyers have used when referring to her during trial

Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa opens the defense’s oral arguments on the conviction threshold by saying the Constitution’s two-thirds requirement should be applied based on the full 24-member Senate.“The issue confronting us today boils down to one question: How many votes… pic.twitter.com/d7ppXxhjdl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Rep. Chel Diokno argues that including senators who cannot participate in the trial in the denominator could result in “an acquittal by default.”Diokno also says changing the denominator does not mean simply lowering the votes needed to convict.“Suppose the court determines… pic.twitter.com/BgotBs5wGn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Rep. Chel Diokno says impeachment determines the accountability or fitness of an official and asks how a senator can perform that constitutional duty without taking the required oath or participating as a senator-judge.”Paano ito gagawin ng senator na hindi naging hukom, hindi… pic.twitter.com/9zlwm0Cwqe

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

House prosecutor Chel Diokno: The prosecution is confident in its case…Whatever the threshold is however this court decides the issue before it today, the prosecution will do its job. #VPonTrial | @MAgerINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/MkeVlo637IWatch our… pic.twitter.com/qqrpBBhwEk

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

DIOKNO: PROSECUTION ‘CONFIDENT’ IN ITS CASERep. Chel Diokno says the prosecution is confident in its case and evidence, and trusts the “independent judgment” of the impeachment court.“Whatever the threshold is, however this court decides the issue before it today, the… pic.twitter.com/9msPByiU0J

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

RESPONDENT OR ACCUSED? Rep. Chel Diokno asked the impeachment court to clarify how Vice President Sara Duterte should be addressed, saying the proceeding is not criminal in nature and that she should be referred to as the “respondent,” not the “accused.”Defense counsel… pic.twitter.com/CoWntwuvCD

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

WATCH: Several protesters carrying a flag and a banner with the word “Maisug” – a term used by pro-Duterte factions – are walking along Diokno Boulevard near the Senate, where VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is being held. #VPonTrial | @GabrielLaluINQ Follow our live… pic.twitter.com/tARcH1mj6J

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

DAY 29: The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The prosecution and defense teams will present their arguments on the voting threshold required to convict Duterte before the Senate votes on the issue. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ… pic.twitter.com/mM0vqAqFyM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa and House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno will be presenting their respective oral arguments on the voting threshold required to convict VP Sara Duterte. Rep. Leila De Lima was meant to present the oral arguments for the prosecution but is… pic.twitter.com/hy2TAA40bk

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 23, 2026

House prosecution panel is confident that it could finish the presentation of evidence vs VP Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth by October.

Exactly a week after the Senate impeachment court sought guidance from retired chief justices, the prosecution and defense teams on Wednesday will be presenting their arguments on the voting threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial

READ MORE:… pic.twitter.com/n7Y7lvNUWn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 22, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared wealth rose sharply even as most of the corporations linked to her and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, reported losses and no recorded dividend payouts, raising questions at her impeachment trial about where the increase in her assets… pic.twitter.com/rQAZ1Qmnyt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 22, 2026

Presenting the oral argument for the House prosecution panel is Rep. Leila de Lima who is among the endorsers of one of the impeachment

VP Sara Duterte’s declared wealth rose sharply even as most of the corporations linked to her and her lawyer husband, reported losses.

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said he was unaware that his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, held an interest in GenCorp Industries Inc., even as a government procurement official testified that the food catering company secured 15 contracts worth P34.2 million while he was mayor