Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers praised the team of private lawyers assisting the House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, lauding their voluntary service and commitment to the public interest.
Barbers, an adviser to the prosecution team, highlighted the courtroom contributions of Atty. Mae Divinagracia, noting her skill in evidence presentation and witness examination.
“And we appreciate the fact that itong magagaling na mga abogado na ito kagaya ni Atty. Divinagracia, magaling sa presentation ng ebidensya at sa kanyang pagdi-direct examination sa witness,” Barbers said during a media forum on Saturday, August 29.
Divinagracia gained attention during the August 25 hearing for her sharp questioning during the direct examination of Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio.
Her phrasing drew objections from the defense counsel, leading Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding over the impeachment court, to advise her to soften her language.
Both lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro and Barbers have backed Divinagracia, pointing out that the private lawyers are working without compensation.
“But you know, ito sila ‘yung ating mga private prosecutors, sila po ay volunteers, pro bono po ito sila. Kaya nga ang kanilang slogan ‘Para sa Bayan,’” he explained.
Formed in June to support the 11 House prosecutors managing the four articles of impeachment, the 15-member private legal team comprises trial lawyers, former government lawyers, and legal experts assisting in strategy and trial presentation.
Barbers added that due to a high volume of legal practitioners offering assistance, the panel had to cap the number of private lawyers involved.
“Pero kami as far as the private prosecutors are concerned, ni-limit pa nga po ‘yun dahil nga marami pong gustong mag-volunteer at hindi naman pupwedeng napakarami,” he noted.