Ace Barbers named as prosecution’s adviser in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines – The House prosecution panel has designated former Surigao del Norte 2nd District representative Robert Ace Barbers as impeachment trial adviser and spokesperson.

House prosecutor Leila de Lima, representative of the party-list group Mamamayang Liberal, announced Barbers’ new role during a press conference at the House of Representatives on Monday, June 29. Barbers was not present due to a prior engagement.

“He brings to the team decades of legislative experience, a strong record in public accountability work, and a clear, direct communication style that will help explain the impeachment process and its significance to the Filipino people,” De Lima said.

Barbers was a longtime chairperson of the House dangerous drugs committee, and was co-chair and often presiding officer of the quad committee, the mega-panel that extensively investigated the alleged crimes that took place under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

Aside from being a six-term lawmaker, he had also been governor of Surigao del Norte.

Other spokespersons for the prosecution panel include Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, Kabataan Representative Renee Co, and lawyer Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr.

Tolosa is also a private prosecutor, whose role was first announced last week.

The addition of four more private prosecutors was announced on Monday, namely former Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te, and lawyers Reynaldo Robles, Arnold Labay, and Mae Divinagracia.

Robles was previously a legal counsel for former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who is also a listed witness by both the prosecution and defense teams, while Divinagracia had lawyered for the late former public works undersecretary Catalina Cabral, an alleged architect of the flood control corruption scandal.

In total, there are now 15 private prosecutors, but the House said more lawyers may be added to beef up the prosecution team in the coming weeks.

Lawmakers insisted that enlisting several private lawyers is not a sign of unpreparedness by the House in the upcoming trial.

“The prosecution is like building a house. The prosecution bears the burden of establishing the basis for the charges. The defense, on the other hand – their job is to demolish the house,” Diokno said. “Demolishing a house is easy. You only need a few people, a wrecking crew, and it’s done.” – Rappler.com