House prosecutors handling Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial have dismissed rumors of a backroom deal with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasizing that their focus remains strictly on establishing facts and constitutional accountability.
Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert “Ace” Barbers, serving as prosecution adviser, made the statement during a press briefing on Monday, August 17, asserting that any political discussions lie completely beyond their official duties.
“Well, as far as the prosecution panel is concerned, nandito tayo sa proseso ng pagpapalabas ng katotohanan and accountability,” Barbers stressed.
The remarks addressed unverified claims that Duterte had privately reached out to Marcos, allegedly offering to step down as Vice President provided she retain clearance to contest the 2028 presidential election.
While Duterte announced her intent to seek the presidency on February 18, a conviction by the Senate impeachment court would trigger her removal from office and bar her from public service for life.
Such a reported arrangement would allow Duterte to safeguard her 2028 presidential run despite the political damage sustained during the proceedings.
Barbers reiterated that the prosecution team, representing a twice-impeached Vice President’s trial, remains entirely dedicated to building its case before the court.
“So kung mayroong mang usapin tungkol dyan sa mga trade-offs, yan po ay wala sa prosecution panel because ang task ay ipagpatuloy itong paglilitis, ipresenta ang mga ebidensya at siguruhin na naiintindihan ng ating mamamayan kung ano-ano itong mga ebidensyang ito,” said the former lawmaker.
He added that the panel’s work is grounded in constitutional duty rather than outside political arrangements.
“Sinusunod natin ang utos ng ating Saligang Batas na magkaroon ng isang accountability mechanism for certain higher officials of government na magkaroon ng pananagutan kung sila ay mayroong ginawang paglabag sa mga batas,” Barbers said.