Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano explained the reason behind his growing beard during the 29th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Wednesday, September 23.

Cayetano said the beard became a symbol among his team in connection with their position on the disputed voting threshold being discussed by the Senate impeachment court.

“That’s why the whole team, hindi lang umubra lahat, nagpatubo ng balbas because quietly, at least malaman niyo ngayon, this is a symbol. Don’t shave our votes,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano made the remark as senator-judges continued deliberations on the proper interpretation of the constitutional requirement that conviction in an impeachment case requires the concurrence of two-thirds of all members of the Senate.