VP impeachment trial: Senate gavel up for grabs (opens original article in a new tab)

The Philippine Senate considers electing a lawyer to preside over VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, with Sen. Panfilo Lacson confirming a majority vote for a new presiding officer and reaffirming the constitutional 16-vote threshold for conviction.

• Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian may step aside to allow a lawyer to preside over VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
• Sen. Panfilo Lacson confirmed the Senate majority would elect a new presiding officer, possibly Sen. Francis Escudero or Sen. Francis Pangilinan.
• Lacson emphasized the constitutional requirement of 16 votes to convict an impeached official, rejecting attempts to lower the threshold.