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Advocates Philippines
Barbers Urges Senate To Focus On Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: Congress PH
Former Surigao del Norte representative Robert Ace Barbers welcomed the resolution of leadership issues in the Senate, saying it clears the way for lawmakers to concentrate on their constitutional duties as the chamber prepares for the impeachment trial.
Barbers congratulated newly elected Senate President Win Gatchalian and the senators for settling internal differences, stressing that the country expects institutions to rise above politics during crucial times.
“The nation expects its institutions to function above politics, especially at a time when public trust is being tested. I commend our senators for setting aside internal differences and ensuring that the Senate can now fully focus on its constitutional responsibilities,” Barbers said.
According to the former lawmaker, the impeachment process should not be hindered by political maneuvering or disputes within the Senate leadership.
“Any unnecessary delay in the proceedings will not only affect the timely administration of justice but may also erode public confidence in our democratic institutions. The Filipino people deserve a process that is transparent, credible, and faithful to the Constitution,” he said.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, following the transmittal of articles of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives. Under the Constitution, senators are tasked to act as judges and decide the case based on evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Barbers emphasized that the impeachment court's role is not to protect or target any individual, but to determine the truth through a fair process.
“Now is the time for the Senate to demonstrate that it can faithfully discharge its mandate—not in favor of any political personality, political party, or faction, but solely in the interest of the nation. The strength of our democracy lies in the ability of our institutions to rise above partisan considerations and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of facts, evidence, and due process in deciding the outcome of the trial.
“Hindi maaaring mauna ang pulitika kaysa sa katotohanan. Ang tungkulin ng Senado ay malinaw: pakinggan ang ebidensya, sundin ang Konstitusyon, at tapusin ang proseso nang may integridad. Whatever the verdict may be, it must be one that the Filipino people can accept as the product of a fair, impartial, and credible proceeding,” Barbers added.
The former congressman said the impeachment proceedings present an opportunity for the Senate to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
“The Senate now has an opportunity to reinforce public faith in our institutions by proving that accountability, due process, and national interest remain at the heart of our democratic system,” he concluded.
Barbers congratulated newly elected Senate President Win Gatchalian and the senators for settling internal differences, stressing that the country expects institutions to rise above politics during crucial times.
“The nation expects its institutions to function above politics, especially at a time when public trust is being tested. I commend our senators for setting aside internal differences and ensuring that the Senate can now fully focus on its constitutional responsibilities,” Barbers said.
According to the former lawmaker, the impeachment process should not be hindered by political maneuvering or disputes within the Senate leadership.
“Any unnecessary delay in the proceedings will not only affect the timely administration of justice but may also erode public confidence in our democratic institutions. The Filipino people deserve a process that is transparent, credible, and faithful to the Constitution,” he said.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, following the transmittal of articles of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives. Under the Constitution, senators are tasked to act as judges and decide the case based on evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Barbers emphasized that the impeachment court's role is not to protect or target any individual, but to determine the truth through a fair process.
“Now is the time for the Senate to demonstrate that it can faithfully discharge its mandate—not in favor of any political personality, political party, or faction, but solely in the interest of the nation. The strength of our democracy lies in the ability of our institutions to rise above partisan considerations and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of facts, evidence, and due process in deciding the outcome of the trial.
“Hindi maaaring mauna ang pulitika kaysa sa katotohanan. Ang tungkulin ng Senado ay malinaw: pakinggan ang ebidensya, sundin ang Konstitusyon, at tapusin ang proseso nang may integridad. Whatever the verdict may be, it must be one that the Filipino people can accept as the product of a fair, impartial, and credible proceeding,” Barbers added.
The former congressman said the impeachment proceedings present an opportunity for the Senate to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
“The Senate now has an opportunity to reinforce public faith in our institutions by proving that accountability, due process, and national interest remain at the heart of our democratic system,” he concluded.
Jun 17, 2026
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