A constitutional law expert says the 16-vote threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial may be lowered depending on how many senator-judges are actually present and participating. In an interview reported by Inquirer.net, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president Domingo Cayosa argues that a “fair and practical” reading of the 1987 Constitution could limit the voting pool to the senator-judges who take part in the proceedings, instead of using all 24 Senate members serving as impeachment judges. Cayosa maintains that such an approach aligns with the intent and spirit of the Constitution, which he describes as not being restrictive in this context. His view implies that the math for determining the required majority could change if the number of participating judges is fewer than the full chamber. The opinion is presented as an interpretation of constitutional provisions rather than a court ruling, and it is based on the attendance and participation of senator-judges during the trial.