MANILA, Philippines — The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte at her impeachment trial is expected to deliver the "bloodbath" she had warned of when it begins presenting its evidence in her impeachment trial on Nov. 9, 2026, a spokesman for the prosecution said early Wednesday.
“And as what the vice president has always mentioned, we will expect a bloodbath, right? That’s what we expect,” former Surigao del Norte representative Robert Ace Barbers said.
“If it really is going to be a bloodbath, let’s see,” said the impeachment adviser for the House of Representatives.
Barbers said Duterte’s lawyers had ample time to prepare their defense against the remaining impeachment charge involving alleged unexplained wealth, following 39 days of proceedings.
“Well, I’m sure they have already. Defense counsel has already prepared for this,” Barbers said.
“They have been preparing for this for quite some time, for a long time,” he added.
He further noted that despite the prosecution’s confidence in its evidence, Barbers said Duterte’s defense should be given the opportunity to present its case. The Senate impeachment court is set to resume proceedings in two weeks, with Duterte’s defense team expected to present evidence on Article II, the sole remaining charge.
The prosecution has submitted its offer of evidence, including financial records, asset declarations, corporate documents and witness testimony.
Articles I, III and IV, involving confidential funds, grave threats, and bribery and graft, were withdrawn with prejudice.
