HOUSE impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Ace Barbers on Tuesday said the prosecution was ready to see whether Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense would deliver the “bloodbath” she had previously warned about when her lawyers begin presenting evidence in her impeachment trial.
Barbers, a former Surigao del Norte representative, said Duterte’s legal team had been given ample time to prepare its defense against the remaining impeachment charge involving alleged unexplained wealth.
“And as what the Vice President has always mentioned, we will expect a bloodbath, no? ’Yan ang ine-expect natin,” Barbers said at a press briefing.
“Kung totoo ngang magiging bloodbath ito, ay tingnan natin,” he added.
Barbers made the statement when asked what message he had for Duterte as her defense team prepared to present its case after 39 days of impeachment proceedings.
He said he expected Duterte’s lawyers to be ready.
“Well, I’m sure they have already, they have, defense counsel has already prepared for this,” Barbers said.
“Matagal-tagal na at mahabang panahon na sila ay naghanda para dito,” he added.
Despite the prosecution’s confidence in its evidence, Barbers said Duterte’s lawyers should be given the opportunity to present their side.
“Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang depensa na ipakita ang kanilang ebidensya,” he said.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to resume proceedings Nov. 9, with Duterte’s defense expected to begin presenting evidence under Article II, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth.
The House prosecution has completed its presentation and submitted its formal offer of evidence, including financial records, sworn asset declarations, corporate documents and witness testimony.
The court has yet to decide the remaining objections to the admissibility of evidence.
Articles I, III and IV, involving confidential funds, grave threats, and bribery and graft, were withdrawn with prejudice, leaving Article II as the sole remaining charge.
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