NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
House Panel Pushes Local Languages In Impeachment Briefings
Photo credit: Congress PH
House prosecutors are looking to bring the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte closer to the public by explaining the process in several major Philippine languages.
On Wednesday, House Prosecution Panel spokesperson and impeachment adviser, former Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, said the panel is considering tapping translators who can communicate updates and explain the impeachment trial in languages such as Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Bicolano, and other regional dialects.
According to Barbers, the move is aimed at making the proceedings more accessible, especially to Filipinos who are more comfortable receiving information in their native language.
He pointed out that impeachment is not just a legal matter but also involves procedural and public information concerns, making it impossible for a single spokesperson to explain every aspect effectively.
Barbers said the prosecution team intends to have a coordinated communication strategy, with lawyer-spokespersons handling legal and procedural issues while he focuses on ensuring that accurate and timely information reaches the general public.
He added that presenting the impeachment process in different languages would help more Filipinos better understand the proceedings and reduce the spread of misinformation.
Barbers also emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional accountability mechanism designed to hold even the country's highest-ranking officials answerable for their actions. Because of this, he said the public should fully understand the process before drawing conclusions.
He also encouraged Filipinos to follow the impeachment trial firsthand instead of relying solely on social media posts and online commentary.
Since the proceedings will be broadcast live, Barbers said people have the opportunity to watch the presentation of evidence and observe the legal process themselves. He warned that false information and conflicting interpretations are likely to circulate as the trial progresses, making it even more important for the public to verify facts by watching the hearings directly.
For the prosecution panel, Barbers said the mission goes beyond presenting its case before the impeachment court. It also aims to help Filipinos better understand the constitutional process through factual information, credible evidence, and respect for the rule of law.
On Wednesday, House Prosecution Panel spokesperson and impeachment adviser, former Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, said the panel is considering tapping translators who can communicate updates and explain the impeachment trial in languages such as Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Bicolano, and other regional dialects.
According to Barbers, the move is aimed at making the proceedings more accessible, especially to Filipinos who are more comfortable receiving information in their native language.
He pointed out that impeachment is not just a legal matter but also involves procedural and public information concerns, making it impossible for a single spokesperson to explain every aspect effectively.
Barbers said the prosecution team intends to have a coordinated communication strategy, with lawyer-spokespersons handling legal and procedural issues while he focuses on ensuring that accurate and timely information reaches the general public.
He added that presenting the impeachment process in different languages would help more Filipinos better understand the proceedings and reduce the spread of misinformation.
Barbers also emphasized that impeachment is a constitutional accountability mechanism designed to hold even the country's highest-ranking officials answerable for their actions. Because of this, he said the public should fully understand the process before drawing conclusions.
He also encouraged Filipinos to follow the impeachment trial firsthand instead of relying solely on social media posts and online commentary.
Since the proceedings will be broadcast live, Barbers said people have the opportunity to watch the presentation of evidence and observe the legal process themselves. He warned that false information and conflicting interpretations are likely to circulate as the trial progresses, making it even more important for the public to verify facts by watching the hearings directly.
For the prosecution panel, Barbers said the mission goes beyond presenting its case before the impeachment court. It also aims to help Filipinos better understand the constitutional process through factual information, credible evidence, and respect for the rule of law.
Jul 2, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
