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Advocates Philippines
Barbers: Senate Must Put Duty Over Politics
Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
Former Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers is calling on senators to set aside political tensions and focus on their constitutional responsibility, as the impeachment process involving Vice President Sara Z. Duterte continues to draw public attention.
Barbers emphasized that the Senate’s role in impeachment is not optional or secondary, but a core duty that must be carried out with urgency and impartiality.
“To conduct an impeachment trial is a constitutionally imposed duty on the Senate. It is equally important as its legislative work because it is the people who exact accountability from its servants,” Barbers said.
He warned that internal political disagreements should not affect the progress of the proceedings.
“Thus, any and all internal squabbles must not involve nor diminish the priority accorded to an impeachment trial. It is to be conducted with dispatch and without fear or favor,” Barbers added.
According to him, the case should not be viewed through the lens of political alliances or personalities, but rather through accountability and the rule of law.
“While leadership changes in the Senate may create perceptions of political uncertainty, the constitutional mandate of the Senate remains unchanged. Regardless of who occupies the Senate presidency, every senator-judge has sworn to uphold the Constitution and render judgment based on evidence and conscience”, Barbers said.
He also challenged senators to rise above partisanship and protect the credibility of democratic institutions.
Barbers further warned that delays or political maneuvering could damage public trust in the Senate.
“At this critical moment, the nation is watching. The Senate must prove that no leadership dispute, no political alliance, and no external pressure can interfere with its solemn constitutional responsibility. The best service we can render to the Filipino people is to allow the trial to proceed, let the evidence speak, and let the truth prevail,” Barbers said.
Barbers emphasized that the Senate’s role in impeachment is not optional or secondary, but a core duty that must be carried out with urgency and impartiality.
“To conduct an impeachment trial is a constitutionally imposed duty on the Senate. It is equally important as its legislative work because it is the people who exact accountability from its servants,” Barbers said.
He warned that internal political disagreements should not affect the progress of the proceedings.
“Thus, any and all internal squabbles must not involve nor diminish the priority accorded to an impeachment trial. It is to be conducted with dispatch and without fear or favor,” Barbers added.
According to him, the case should not be viewed through the lens of political alliances or personalities, but rather through accountability and the rule of law.
“While leadership changes in the Senate may create perceptions of political uncertainty, the constitutional mandate of the Senate remains unchanged. Regardless of who occupies the Senate presidency, every senator-judge has sworn to uphold the Constitution and render judgment based on evidence and conscience”, Barbers said.
He also challenged senators to rise above partisanship and protect the credibility of democratic institutions.
Barbers further warned that delays or political maneuvering could damage public trust in the Senate.
“At this critical moment, the nation is watching. The Senate must prove that no leadership dispute, no political alliance, and no external pressure can interfere with its solemn constitutional responsibility. The best service we can render to the Filipino people is to allow the trial to proceed, let the evidence speak, and let the truth prevail,” Barbers said.
Jun 16, 2026
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