FULL TEXT: Retired CJ Artemio Panganiban's position on impeachment voting threshold

For retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, active participation in the impeachment trial is essential for a senator to cast their vote to convict or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte.

The magistrate, who served as chief justice from 2005 to 2007, was invited by the Senate impeachment court as an amicus curiae, or friend of the court, to convey his position on the two-thirds voting threshold, as four senators are currently unable to participate in the trial.

Panganiban posed several questions in his presentation, including whether it was fair to allow senators abroad or in hiding to participate in the voting process, when their colleagues listened to arguments, examined evidence, and observed witnesses' demeanor in person.

Read on for Panganiban's full position on the voting threshold.