Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he is no longer inclined to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, citing concerns over the designation of Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer and the Senate’s proposed voting threshold for conviction.
Marcoleta argued that the Senate’s internal rules cannot alter a voting requirement set by the Constitution and warned that a ruling reached through what he considers a flawed process could face a constitutional challenge.
He said his decision covers the trial’s deliberations and eventual voting if the proceedings continue in a manner he believes violates the Constitution.
The issue comes as Marcoleta, who is under Sandiganbayan custody, has previously said he would not seek temporary release to participate in the Senate’s vote on the impeachment conviction threshold.
The Senate has said detained senators must seek permission from the Sandiganbayan to attend Senate sessions or the impeachment trial.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 23, 2026
