House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers has urged Filipinos to follow Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial when it resumes on November 9, saying the break should be followed by renewed attention on the financial evidence against her.
Asked whether the pause had weakened the prosecution’s momentum, Barbers appealed for public scrutiny of a case he described as a constitutional accountability process.
“Kung nag-wane out ang interest ng ating mga mamamayan, mas magandang imbitahin natin sila ulit na subaybayan itong impeachment trial pag-resume ng November 9,” the former Surigao del Norte representative and governor said during a media forum.
“Importante ma-refresh sa kanilang mga memory ’yung mga inilatag na ebidensya,” Barbers stressed.
Barbers maintained that the records could withstand the defense’s response.
“Matibay at hindi basta-basta ito ma-dispute,” Barbers also said.
The prosecution earlier this month ended its presentation with forensic financial analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera, who examined records involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.
His review compared financial and corporate records with Duterte’s sworn asset declarations.
The court then accepted the withdrawal of three impeachment articles on October 13 while Article II remains, covering alleged unexplained wealth, asset disclosure violations, and prohibited business interests.
Duterte’s lawyers are scheduled to present their evidence when hearings resume.
House prosecutors have been preparing to cross-examine the defense witnesses.
Barbers said the panel had already filed its formal offer of evidence, on which the defense can comment.