For House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers, accountability should not be settled through a compromise.
This was how Barbers dismissed a rumored arrangement for Vice President Sara Duterte to leave office while preserving her chance to run for president in 2028.
“Palagay ko walang basehan at katotohanan yan,” Barbers said in response to a question about a Facebook rumor involving Duterte’s possible resignation or acceptance of a conviction in exchange for remaining eligible to seek the presidency.
Barbers rejected the premise that a political bargain should resolve the allegations against the Vice President.
“Malinaw na kung may pananagutan, dapat ito panagutin,” he said.
“Di pwedeng makipag-compromise,” Barbers added.
Asked whether removal from office and disqualification could be separated, Barbers maintained that they could not, citing the Constitution. He framed the consequences as part of the accountability sought through impeachment.
“I think the people will not like the idea of a compromise,” Barbers also said.
The prosecution is pursuing Article II, covering alleged unexplained wealth, asset disclosure violations, and prohibited business interests. The Senate impeachment court accepted the withdrawal of the confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats articles on October 13.
Forensic financial analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera initially estimated approximately P817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, for 2022 to 2025. He later discussed a broader estimate of around P1.5 billion under less conservative assumptions.
The financial presentation drew on bank, tax, insurance, and corporate records alongside Duterte’s sworn asset declarations. Barbers emphasized that the prosecution’s evidence included disclosures Duterte had signed and sworn to herself.
The defense is scheduled to begin presenting its evidence on November 9. Barbers said the prosecution had already filed its formal offer of evidence, bringing the case to the stage where the defense can comment on the records prosecutors want the court to consider.
His response to the rumor was conditional on wrongdoing being established.
“Kung may nilabag na batas, kailangan na ikaw maging accountable,” Barbers said.