Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert “Ace” Barbers warned that Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent controversial statement about hiring a hitman for ₱5,000 could harm the country’s international standing and deter foreign investors.
Barbers, an adviser to the House prosecution panel in Duterte’s ongoing Senate impeachment trial, stated on Friday, July 31, that her remarks deliver a troubling message to the global community, especially given that she made them while abroad in The Hague, Netherlands.
The former lawmaker expressed shock at the Vice President’s comments, noting they seem to validate key allegations in her impeachment trial, where she faces charges related to making grave threats.
“Nagulat ako coming from the Vice President sa panahon na nagkaroon ng paglitis sa kanyang utterances of grave threats sa unang artikulo [ng impeachment]. Parang kinumpirma niya na may kilala siyang gunman at alam niya presyo,” Barbers said.
He emphasized that making such statements on an international platform reinforces allegations that Duterte had previously arranged a contract against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
“Now it probably gives us a picture na totoo na may kontrata kasi alam niya ang presyo,” he noted.
Barbers questioned the propriety of the Vice President making such declarations overseas, emphasizing that public officials abroad should act as ambassadors of goodwill to attract tourism and business.
“Kung ikaw ay nasa ibang bansa you should be an ambassador of goodwill and dapat kinukwento mo ano ang maganda dito kasi nag-eenganyo tayo ng mamumuhunan sa ating bansa, nag-eenganyo tayo ng mga turista,” Barbers stressed.
He warned that implying contract killers are cheap and accessible in the Philippines undermines economic and tourism promotion efforts.
“Now how do we expect the positive response ng mga taong nakakadinig nyan. Sa aking paniwala nakakasira ito sa imahe ng ating republika, ng ating mga kababayan dito. Imagine painting a picture na pwede pala mag-hire ng assassin dito sa halagang ₱5,000,” he added.