Manila: The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should be conducted and explained in a language ordinary Filipinos can understand, former lawmaker Robert Ace Barbers said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Barbers, who serves as the impeachment adviser and spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, emphasized the importance of using both English and Filipino to make the trial more accessible to the public. He mentioned that the goal is to ensure better understanding of the issues, evidence, and procedures involved in the trial of the country's second-highest official.

Barbers stressed that the trial should not be overly technical because it deals with public accountability and has a significant impact on all Filipinos. He noted that communicating in Tagalog, where possible, would make the proceedings more relatable and comprehensible to ordinary Filipino citizens.

Barbers also highlighted that even Filipinos outside legal and political circles should be able to follow the proceedings, including the presentation of evidence and testimony. He mentioned that the use of the native language is one of the procedural matters that the impeachment court is expected to address. He expressed confidence that integrating Filipino into appropriate portions of the proceedings would enhance public understanding.

Additionally, Barbers emphasized that the impeachment case should be decided based on evidence rather than "political arithmetic" or speculation about Senate votes. He stated the importance of laying down the evidence and allowing the people to listen to it, asserting that the evidence should stand on its own merit. Barbers welcomed the presentation of evidence in open court, asserting that it should validate the prosecution's allegations, while also acknowledging that the defense would have an opportunity to present counter-evidence.