The impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte is backed by strong evidence, according to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers.
Barbers, who serves as the lead chairman of the House Quad Comm, made this statement in response to Duterte’s denial that she threatened to have President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez killed.
The alleged threat, made by Duterte in November 2024 and widely circulated on social media, was included in the Articles of Impeachment, which were signed by 215 lawmakers and transmitted by the House of Representatives to the Senate on Wednesday.
“Well yung first Article of Impeachment eh may mga ebidensya pong nakasama po ‘dun, ‘yung videos, ‘yung pahayag na ating bise presidente, kaya nga po naisama po ‘yan and kaya nga po may proseso,” said Barbers. (The first Article of Impeachment includes evidence such as videos and statements from the Vice President, which is why it was included and is now part of the process.)
He added that the truth would come out during Duterte’s impeachment trial in the Senate.
Although not a lawyer, Barbers expressed confidence that the existing evidence is sufficient to support the allegations.
He emphasized that it is up to the senator-judges to assess the impeachment case and weigh the presented evidence.
When asked about the possibility of Duterte stepping down to avoid the costly trial, Barbers said it would be difficult to suggest resignation as an option.
He stated that an impeached Vice President has the right to due process in the Senate.
However, Barbers criticized Duterte for allegedly not taking the impeachment seriously, despite its approval by the House supermajority.
In response to Duterte’s remark that being impeached is less painful than a breakup, the Mindanao lawmaker commented, “Kanya kanya namang pakiramdam ‘yan and we have to give it to her…she’s not taking it seriously. And that’s her right.” (Everyone has their own feelings, and we have to give it to her… she’s not taking it seriously. And that’s her right.)