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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Kayang-kaya niya yan!': Barbers confident VP Duterte defense team can't break NBI witness

'Kayang-kaya niya yan!': Barbers confident VP Duterte defense team can't break NBI witness

Published Jul 8, 2026 01:20 pm

At A Glance

  • House panel spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers says NBI Agent John Mark Calilung is prepared to withstand cross-examination and defend the evidence on Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged "death threat video".
  • Calilung previously confirmed before senator-judges a video showing Duterte making threats against President Marcos and the First Family during a virtual press conference.
  • Barbers adds the prosecution hopes to present a second NBI witness to certify Calilung's work and further establish the integrity of the investigation.
NBI Agent John Mark Calilung (left), Robert Ace Barbers (Senate PRIB, PPAB)
NBI Agent John Mark Calilung (left), Robert Ace Barbers (Senate PRIB, PPAB)


National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Agent John Mark Calilung, the prosecution’s first witness, will be able to withstand the expected intense cross-examination of impeachment trial respondent Vice President Sara Duterte's defense lawyers.
Thus, said House prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers ahead of Calilung's cross examination during the resumption of the Senate impeachment trial Wednesday, July 8.
According to him, Calilung is well-prepared to defend the evidence he presented before the impeachment court Tuesday, July 7, particularly on the investigation into Duterte’s alleged “death threat video".
“We are expecting that this witness will remain consistent so that we can have a balanced appreciation of the evidence and arrive at a fair and informed opinion,” Barbers said.
“We are confident that he can clearly explain and defend the findings he presented before the impeachment court," he added.
Calilung was able to confirm before the senator-judges on Tuesday a video supporting the allegation that the respondent made death threats to President Marcos and other members of the First Family on Nov. 23, 2024.
The threats were made during a recorded virtual press conference.
Barbers also says the prosecution panel is hopeful there will still be enough time during Wednesday's proceedings to present another witness from the NBI, whose testimony will further strengthen the prosecution’s case.
“The second witness will certify the work undertaken by our first witness, Mr. Agent Calilung, and further establish the integrity of the investigation conducted by the NBI,” said the former House quad-committee (quad-comm) overall chairman.

Related Tags

Impeachment impeachment trial Robert Ace Barbers NBI Sara Duterte Cross-examination defense
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