Manila: House trial spokesperson and impeachment adviser Robert 'Ace' Barbers on Friday expressed concerns that Vice President Sara Duterte's recent comments about hiring assassins could damage the Philippines' reputation and hinder efforts to draw foreign investors and tourists.

According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers was taken aback by Duterte's remarks, especially since her alleged grave threats are central to her ongoing impeachment trial. He highlighted the inappropriateness of making such statements while overseas. "Nagulat ako (I was surprised) coming from the Vice President sa panahon na nagkaroon ng paglitis sa kanyang (amid a trial into her) utterances of grave threats sa unang artikulo [ng impeachment]," Barbers told reporters.

Barbers emphasized that the Vice President's admission of knowing gunmen and their prices could project a negative image of the Philippines on the international stage. He stressed that such statements are inconsistent with the conduct expected from a public official, particularly when representing the country abroad.

"Kung ikaw ay nasa ibang bansa (If you're abroad), you should be an ambassador of goodwill and dapat kinukuwento mo ano ang maganda dito kasi nag-eenganyo tayo ng mamumuhunan sa ating bansa, nag-eenganyo tayo ng mga turista (you must say good things here because we are encouraging investors to our country, we are enticing tourists)," Barbers said.

During an interview at a rally in The Hague earlier this week, Duterte mentioned that a gunman could be hired for PHP5,000 in the Philippines, sparking further controversy.