An adviser to the House prosecution panel has urged prosecutors to fully present all four articles of impeachment filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, pushing back against recommendations to wrap up the trial prematurely following arguments on the confidential funds issue.
Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert “Ace” Barbers, serving as the prosecution team’s adviser and spokesperson, rejected claims that existing evidence is sufficient to seek an early verdict.
“Ako, personally, sa tingin ko, mas magandang mailatag lahat yung apat na articles,” Barbers said.
The House-approved impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of misusing and improperly liquidating confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), possessing unexplained wealth, engaging in bribery within DepEd, and issuing alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Barbers explained that detailing every charge would dispel accusations from Duterte’s supporters that the proceedings are politically driven.
“Kasi maraming nagsasabi na ito ay isang pamumulitika, which we vehemently, of course, deny,” Barbers said, emphasizing that the prosecution maintains a robust case built on strong evidence.
He clarified that the trial rests on solid documentary and testimonial evidence rather than political chatter or conjecture.
Citing the evidence already presented on the alleged threats, Barbers stressed that every component of the complaint must be fully examined alongside the confidential funds documents.
“Kasi hindi mabubuo yung litrato pag kulang yung puzzle o kulang yung piece. Kaya dapat para sa机 i-diretso buuin natin yung apat na articles,” Barbers added.
Addresssing inquiries over public statements from trial attorneys, Barbers noted that prosecutors have not been subjected to a gag order nor have they improperly debated case merits outside court proceedings.
“Wala pa namang gag order as of this time as we speak,” Barbers remarked.
He further pointed out that legal counsel is necessary among panel spokespersons to accurately address technical details.
“Kailangan pa rin ng abogado kasi kaming mga na-identify as spokespersons dito sa panel ng prosecution, hindi naman kami mga abogado,” Barbers noted.
The prosecution features 11 House members supported by 15 private lawyers, with Barbers tasked with explaining case developments to the public.