Mindanao voters chose leaders based on merit, not impeachment row

Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers stated that voters in Mindanao did not base their senatorial choices on who defended or attacked Vice President Sara Duterte, dismissing claims that an impeachment complaint against her led to the poor performance of administration-backed bets.

Barbers countered claims by Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign manager Toby Tiangco that the impeachment case negatively impacted their senatorial bets in Mindanao, where the Dutertes have strong support.

He asserted that voters are intelligent and chose local leaders who were perceived as effective, principled, and possessing integrity.

Barbers pointed out that 36 out of 44 Mindanao lawmakers who signed the impeachment complaint were reelected, indicating an 81.81% win rate.

He explained that the underperformance of some candidates stemmed from a failure to connect nationally and build sufficient momentum, message, and machinery, rather than from advocating for truth and transparency.

Minadanao voters supported them because they had the spine to uphold the rule of law, even if it meant taking on powerful names.