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Advocates Philippines
Barbers Slams Push For Online Voting In Sara Trial
Photo credit: Congress PH
Former Surigao del Norte congressman Robert Ace Barbers has opposed proposals in the Senate to allow online participation and voting during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that such a move could weaken the integrity of the proceedings.
Barbers raised concerns over efforts by some senators to amend Senate rules to permit video conferencing and remote voting even outside situations like national emergencies or pandemics.
“The proponents want this amendment to extend to the Impeachment Court internal rules. This proposal betrays the intention of some members to accomodate other members who may not be able to physically attend sessions, not due to medical reasons but in andticipation of their absence in relation to the cases that they may be facing or about to face,” Barbers said.
“Obviously, some Senators want to protect the others and use the latter’s predictable inclinations in furtherance of their agenda, without regard to the still to be presented solid evidence. The proponents are banking on the present majority composition which is aligned with the members who is/are subject/s of the proposal,” he added.
The former lawmaker, who also chaired the House Quad Committee during the 19th Congress, said many House members who voted to impeach Duterte are also opposing the proposed changes in Senate procedures.
According to Barbers, lawmakers who supported the impeachment complaint want senator-judges to physically attend the trial and personally hear the evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and defense panels.
He stressed that impeachment proceedings carry a different level of responsibility because senators are acting not as legislators, but as members of an impeachment court tasked with deciding the political future of one of the country’s highest officials.
Barbers said direct observation of witnesses, physical examination of documents, and in-person participation are crucial in helping senator-judges make fair and informed decisions.
He argued that virtual attendance could affect how evidence and testimonies are appreciated during the trial, especially in a case expected to have major political consequences.
“Actual ang active physical participation in the trial is the kind of respect due the Impeachment Court. If the Senator-Judge respects the processes and the sanctity of the trial, he must take it upon himself to attend physically. He owes it to the people to discharge his duty and responsibility in the best manner. The only exception should be for medical reasons,” Barbers added.
Debate over the proposed rule changes comes as the Senate prepares to convene as an impeachment court for Duterte’s trial, which has already triggered intense political divisions and public scrutiny nationwide.
Barbers raised concerns over efforts by some senators to amend Senate rules to permit video conferencing and remote voting even outside situations like national emergencies or pandemics.
“The proponents want this amendment to extend to the Impeachment Court internal rules. This proposal betrays the intention of some members to accomodate other members who may not be able to physically attend sessions, not due to medical reasons but in andticipation of their absence in relation to the cases that they may be facing or about to face,” Barbers said.
“Obviously, some Senators want to protect the others and use the latter’s predictable inclinations in furtherance of their agenda, without regard to the still to be presented solid evidence. The proponents are banking on the present majority composition which is aligned with the members who is/are subject/s of the proposal,” he added.
The former lawmaker, who also chaired the House Quad Committee during the 19th Congress, said many House members who voted to impeach Duterte are also opposing the proposed changes in Senate procedures.
According to Barbers, lawmakers who supported the impeachment complaint want senator-judges to physically attend the trial and personally hear the evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and defense panels.
He stressed that impeachment proceedings carry a different level of responsibility because senators are acting not as legislators, but as members of an impeachment court tasked with deciding the political future of one of the country’s highest officials.
Barbers said direct observation of witnesses, physical examination of documents, and in-person participation are crucial in helping senator-judges make fair and informed decisions.
He argued that virtual attendance could affect how evidence and testimonies are appreciated during the trial, especially in a case expected to have major political consequences.
“Actual ang active physical participation in the trial is the kind of respect due the Impeachment Court. If the Senator-Judge respects the processes and the sanctity of the trial, he must take it upon himself to attend physically. He owes it to the people to discharge his duty and responsibility in the best manner. The only exception should be for medical reasons,” Barbers added.
Debate over the proposed rule changes comes as the Senate prepares to convene as an impeachment court for Duterte’s trial, which has already triggered intense political divisions and public scrutiny nationwide.
May 21, 2026
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