MANILA — The required number of votes to convict Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in her impeachment trial remains at 16, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said, even as a leadership dispute continues within the chamber.

In a report, Gatchalian issued the clarification following Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s claim that the June 3 Senate session—attended by 12 senators—could set a precedent that may affect the voting threshold in impeachment cases.

“Article XI, Section 3(6) of the 1987 Constitution states unequivocally that no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“With the Senate’s membership fixed at 24, the conviction threshold is 16 votes, and it will remain 16 votes regardless of how many senators attend the trial, which bloc controls the chamber, or who presides over the impeachment court,” he added.

Duterte is facing impeachment charges for alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes. The House of Representatives impeached her for a second time in two years in May.

On Tuesday, the Senate impeachment court led by Gatchalian ordered both the prosecution and defense panels to submit their lists of witnesses and evidence by June 18 as part of preparations for the trial.

“The process is on track. The rules are clear. And the constitutional threshold—16 votes—will be faithfully observed,” he said.

“Malinaw ang Saligang Batas. Ang ating tungkulin ay sundin ang Konstitusyon, at iyon ang aming gagawin,” Gatchalian added.

He said the Senate majority is also expected to discuss key procedural matters, including the designation of the presiding officer, amid reports that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is being considered for the role.

On June 3, senators previously aligned with the minority bloc convened and elected Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore, later designating him as acting Senate president.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has continued to insist he remains the legitimate leader of the Senate amid the internal dispute.