Ace Barbers
{{Short description|Filipino politician (born 1969)}}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2020}}
{{Philippine name|Smith|Barbers}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Ace Barbers
| image = Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (19th Congress).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Official portrait of Barbers during the 19th Congress
| office = Chair of the
House Committee on Dangerous Drugs
| term_start = July 25, 2016
| term_end =
| predecessor = Vicente Belmonte Jr.
| office1 = Member of the House of Representatives from Surigao del Norte's 2nd district
| term_start1 = June 30, 2016
| predecessor1 = Guillermo Romarate
| successor1 = Incumbent
| term_start2 = June 30, 1998
| term_end2 = June 30, 2007
| predecessor2 = Robert Barbers
| successor2 = Guillermo Romarate
| office3 = Governor of Surigao del Norte
| term_start3 = June 30, 2007
| term_end3 = June 30, 2010
| vicegovernor3 = Noel Catre
| predecessor3 = Robert Lyndon Barbers
| successor3 = Sol Matugas
| birth_name = Robert Ace Smith Barbers
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1969|05|31}}
| birth_place = Manila, Philippines
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = Filipino
| spouse = Bernadette Sison
| party = Nacionalista (2009–present)
| otherparty = Lakas–CMD (1997–2009)
| relations =
| children = Robert King Barbers
Robert Jack Barbers
Robert Ace Barbers, Jr.
Robert Spade Barbers
| residence =
| alma_mater = De La Salle University (AB)
University of the Philippines (MPA)
| occupation =
| profession = Politician
| religion =
}}
Robert Ace Smith Barbers (usually stylized as Robert "Ace" Barbers), (born May 31, 1969) or also known simply as Ace Barbers, is a Filipino politician. The son of former senator Robert Barbers, he is currently serving as the representative of the second district of Surigao del Norte (1998–2007 and since 2016). He previously served as well as provincial governor (2007–2010).{{cite news |last=Crismundo Barbers |first=Mike |date=May 15, 2016 |title=Barbers rises again in Surigao del Norte politics |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-bulletin/20160515/281951722039429 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=August 4, 2021 |via=PressReader}}
Early and personal life
Barbers was born on May 31, 1969, in Manila, Philippines. He is the second of four siblings by Robert Barbers and Virginia Smith.{{cite news |title=What could wipe out political dynasties? |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/01/10/what-could-wipe-out-political-dynasties |work=ABS-CBN Corporation |date=June 1, 2010 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 }}
Barbers was a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in political science, Minor in Economics at the De La Salle University (1987–1990), and became a holder of Master's degree in Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines (2000–2003).
Barbers has been married to Bernadette Sison since 1991;{{cite news |last=Quismorio |first=Ellson |date=December 31, 2022 |title=Barbers gets wacky in anniversary selfie |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/12/30/barbers-gets-wacky-in-anniversary-selfie |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=October 5, 2024}} they have four sons.{{cite news |last=Go |first=Bernadette Patricia Darlene |date=September 30, 2001 |title=The Cutest Guys in Government |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2001/09/30/135213/cutest-guys-government |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=October 13, 2024}}
=Family's political involvement=
Barbers came from a political clan in Surigao del Norte where his father was a Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and served in the Congress until 2004,Multiple citations:
- {{cite book |last=Muego |first=Benjamin |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Daljit |date=2005 |title=Southeast Asian Affairs 2005 (paperback) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZMBaxmiPJL8C&dq=ace+barbers+governor&pg=PA310 |location=Singapore |publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |page=310 |chapter=The Philippines in 2004: A Gathering Storm |isbn= 978-981-230-306-6|access-date=May 30, 2024 |via=Google Books}}
- {{cite book |last=Muego |first=Benjamin |editor-last=Singh |editor-first=Daljit |date=2005 |title=Southeast Asian Affairs 2005 (ebook) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HiBqDwAAQBAJ&dq=ace+barbers+governor&pg=PT372 |location=Singapore |publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |page= |chapter=The Philippines in 2004: A Gathering Storm |isbn= 978-981-4517-15-7|access-date=May 30, 2024 |via=Google Books}} and died a year later. His brother, Robert Lyndon, has been serving as provincial governor;{{cite news |last=Arguillas |first=Carolyn |date=July 15, 2022 |title=Special Report: Mindanao 2022 to 2025: fat and obese dynasties rule (part 3 of 3) |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/07/special-report-mindanao-2022-to-2025-fat-and-obese-dynasties-rule-3/ |work=MindaNews |access-date=May 30, 2024}} while another, Robert Dean, served as a councilor in Makati and held cabinet positions during the Arroyo administration, being named officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism and general manager and CEO of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
The family lost their political control in 2010 when the Matugases won the key positions in the province.{{cite news |last=Almeda |first=Vanessa |date=February 8, 2013 |title='Underdog' Barbers brothers vow good fight vs rival Matugas family |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/02/underdog-barbers-brothers-vow-good-fight-vs-rival-matugas-family/ |work=MindaNews |access-date=May 30, 2024}} While Ace lost in his re-election bid for provincial governor, his two brothers were likewise defeated: Lyndon, who ran for Surigao City mayor; and Dean, for Makati 1st district representative.{{cite news |last=Tiongson–Mayrina |first=Karen |date=July 20, 2010 |title=How dynasties fared in the May 2010 elections (part 2 of 3) |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/specialreports/196498/how-dynasties-fared-in-the-may-2010-elections/story/ |work=GMA News Online |access-date=May 30, 2024}} At the time of Ace's re-election as congressman in 2022, Lyndon only regained his seat.
For the 2025 elections, Lyndon filed his candidacy for second gubernatorial term. Meanwhile, Ace's wife, Bernadette, is seeking to succeed her husband as district representative.{{cite news |last=Lopez |first=Alexander |date=October 9, 2024 |title=4 Caraga governors seek reelection in 2025 polls |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235084 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=October 13, 2024}}
Political career
=As district representative, first time (1998–2007)=
Barbers first served as the representative of the 2nd district of Surigao del Norte (the position previously held by his father) from 1998 to 2007. During his term, he belonged to the Lakas–NUCD of former president Fidel V. Ramos,Citations:
- {{cite book |date=February 19, 2001 |title=Official Gazette (volume 97) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=viLDT_puwjkC&dq=ace+barbers&pg=PA1197 |location=Manila |publisher=Government of the Philippines |pages=1194–1203 |chapter=G.R. 13569 (September 27, 1999) |isbn= |access-date=May 30, 2024 |via=Google Books}}
- {{cite news |date=May 13, 2001 |title=List of candidates (House of Representatives, Metro Manila and provinces) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16U2AAAAIBAJ&dq=bobby+barbers+parak&pg=PA30&article_id=3032,41978863 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |location=Makati |access-date=June 7, 2024 |pages=A26, A30–A31 |via=Google Books}} which later became the ruling Lakas party of the administration of Gloria Macapagal–Arroyo. During the House speakership of Jose de Venecia Jr., Barbers was the chairperson of the accounts committee{{cite book |last=La Viña |first=Antonio |display-authors=et al |author-link=Antonio La Viña |date=2012 |title=The 1987 Constitution: To change or not to change? |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5zSWDwAAQBAJ&dq=ace+barbers&pg=PT77 |location=Quezon City |publisher=Anvil Publishing, Inc. |pages= |chapter=Charter Change under Arroyo: Sigaw ng Bayan, the Cry of the People? |isbn= 978-971-27-2908-9|access-date=May 30, 2024 |via=Google Books}} until his resignation in 2005, reportedly to focus on his post-graduate studies at the University of the Philippines.
It was during Barbers' term when he and his father, then-senator Robert, authored the Comprehensive Drugs Bill of 2002. He was among those who voted against president Arroyo's controversial proposal to increase the value-added tax from 10–12 percent.{{cite news |last=Diaz |first=Jess |date=April 12, 2005 |title=Escudero: Barbers welcome in opposition |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/04/12/273625/escudero-barbers-welcome-opposition/ |work=The Philippine Star |access-date=May 30, 2024}}
Barbers was also known being a member of the so-called "Spice Boys" who called for the impeachment of then-president Joseph Estrada. On the other hand, he signed the unsuccessful impeachment complaint against Arroyo.{{cite news |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Political rift may be behind Barbers-Pichay spat |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/824969/political-rift-may-be-behind-barbers-pichay-spat |work=Inquirer.net |access-date=May 30, 2024}}
=As provincial governor (2007–2010), later attempts in politics=
Barbers won for provincial governor of Surigao del Norte in 2007,{{cite news |last=Guanzon |first=Alvin |date=May 23, 2007 |title=Barbers seeks probe of alleged fraud in 2 Surigao towns |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/43514/barbers-seeks-probe-of-alleged-fraud-in-2-surigao-towns/story/ |work=GMA News Online |access-date=June 1, 2024}} but lost to Sol Forcadilla Matugas, retired regional director of the Department of Education – Caraga,{{cite news |last=Catoto |first=Roel |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Duterte on Surigao del Norte dynasty: "Puro Matugas na man ni tanan" |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/duterte-on-surigao-del-norte-dynasty-puro-matugas-na-man-ni-tanan/ |work=MindaNews |access-date=June 1, 2024}} in his re-election bid in 2010.{{cite news |last=Serrano |first=Ben |date=May 22, 2012 |title=Surigao Norte gov's 2010 poll victory upheld |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/05/22/809026/surigao-norte-govs-2010-poll-victory-upheld |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=May 30, 2024}}
Barbers has been a member of the Nacionalista Party{{cite news |last=Panganiban |first=Chris |date=October 10, 2021 |title=Same old foes: Barbers vs Matugas in Surigao Norte polls |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/10/same-old-foes-barbers-vs-matugas-in-surigao-norte-polls/ |work=MindaNews |access-date=June 1, 2024}} since 2013,{{cite news |last=Almeda |first=Vanessa |date=April 8, 2013 |title=Lyndon Barbers not withdrawing; brother Ace reconsidering |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/04/lyndon-barbers-not-withdrawing-brother-ace-reconsidering/ |work=MindaNews |access-date=May 30, 2024}} at that time he lost to incumbent second district representative Guillermo Romarate Jr., who later finished his third and last term.
=As district representative, second time (since 2016)=
File:Robert Ace Barbers at a press briefing.jpg
Barbers eventually regained the seat in 2016;{{cite book |last=Reyes–Aguila |first=Joyce |date=August–September 2018 |title=The LEAGUE Magazine |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6gyQDwAAQBAJ&dq=ace+barbers&pg=PA83 |location=Quezon City |publisher=The League Publishing Company, Inc. |pages=80–85 |chapter=The Equalizer |isbn= |access-date=May 30, 2024 |via=Google Books}} he is currently serving his third consecutive term—the sixth overall.{{cite news |last=Lopez |first=Alexander |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Comelec proclaims winning candidates in Caraga |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174316 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=May 30, 2024}} He has been the chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
In his tenure in the lower house, Barbers has been supporting charter change,{{cite news |last1=Porcalla |first1=Delon |last2=Echeminada |first2=Perseus |date=December 2, 2006 |title=Sigaw draws up list of senatorial bets for 2007 elections |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2006/12/02/372890/sigaw-draws-list-senatorial-bets-2007-elections |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=June 1, 2024}} particularly reforms on economic provisions.{{cite news |last1=Cervantes |first1=Filane Mikee |last2=de Layola |first2=Zaldy |date=December 20, 2023 |title=Solon: Time to change Charter to make it responsive to economic needs |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215693 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=May 30, 2024}}
Barbers, once a long-time ally of the Dutertes, was among those who supported the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, particularly the administration's drug war and anti-criminality stance; and even sought the revival of the death penalty for drug-related offenses. Meanwhile in 2019, his local party Abante Surigao formed an alliance with Hugpong ng Pagbabago of then Davao City mayor Sara Duterte, whose successful candidacy for vice president was endorsed by him in 2022.
However in late 2024, Barbers led the House Quad Committee Investigation, an inquiry on issues involving the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other allegations during the Duterte administration.{{cite news |date=September 12, 2024 |title=LIVE: Fifth House quadcom hearing on POGOs, illegal drug trade crimes |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/12/2384743/live-fifth-house-quadcom-hearing-pogos-illegal-drug-trade-crimes |work=PhilstarLIVE |access-date=September 26, 2024}} He also led another investigation on the Office of the Vice President.{{cite news |last=Maderazo |first=Jake |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Sharp Edges — Ace Barbers Abandons Dutertes for Cabinet Post |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/177320/ace-barbers-abandons-dutertes-for-cabinet-post |work=Inquirer.net |access-date=October 5, 2024}}
Aside from the POGO issue, Barbers is also critical of China in other issues; this includes China's enforcement of its own claims in the South China Sea dispute, its opposition to the Philippines building its military capability to counter China and potential Chinese espionage in the Philippines.{{cite news |title=Barbers: Chinese students in Cagayan could be spies |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904320/barbers-chinese-students-in-cagayan-could-be-spies/story/ |access-date=24 April 2025 |work=GMA News |date=21 April 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=Barbers: No sinophobia, we’re only against Chinese doing illegal things |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957367/were-not-sinophobic-only-against-chinese-doing-illegal-things-in-ph |access-date=24 April 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2 July 2024 |language=en}} He allegedly has been a target of a troll farm sponsored by China.{{cite news |last1=Rollo |first1=Bea |title=China allegedly funded troll farm operations vs. PH, revealed Tolentino |url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/china-allegedly-funded-troll-farm-operations-vs-ph-revealed-tolentino |access-date=24 April 2025 |work=News 5}}{{cite news |last1=Mangaluz |first1=Jean |title=Chinese Embassy tapped Makati PR firm to push pro-Beijing narratives in PH — Tolentino |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/24/2438014/chinese-embassy-tapped-makati-pr-firm-push-pro-beijing-narratives-ph-tolentino |access-date=24 April 2025 |work=The Philippine Star}}
Controversies
Barbers was among more than a hundred legislators mentioned in the 2013 special audit report on the release of the Priority Development Assistance Fund to non-governmental organizations during his governorship, from 2007 to 2009.{{cite news |last=Santos |first=Reynaldo Jr. |date=June 1, 2016 |title=48 lawmakers in PDAF-COA audit report win in 2016 elections |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/134875-coa-pdaf-lawmakers-winners-2016-elections/ |work=Rappler |access-date=June 1, 2024}}
In October 2016, an ethics complaint was filed against Barbers by his political rival, Surigao del Sur 1st district representative Prospero Pichay Jr., for his "disorderly behavior" in relation to a confrontation when the two fought with each other after a heated exchange during a discussion on charter change in the meeting of the House constitutional amendments panel.
The following month, Barbers filed an ethics complaint against Pichay, whom he accused of theft and graft, due to the alleged illegal mining activities of the latter's company.{{cite news |last=Cepeda |first=Mara |date=December 22, 2016 |title=House of Representatives: 10 biggest moments in 2016 |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/155619-house-representatives-biggest-moments-year-ender-2016/ |work=Rappler |access-date=June 1, 2024}}
In November 2024, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XIII denounced fake news linking Barbers to a drug syndicate in connection to an law enforcement operation in Surigao City. On December 6, 2024, Anonymous Surigao posted a spliced video which falsely portrayed Barbers "admitting" he is a drug lord.{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=Ailla Dela |title=FACT CHECK: Spliced video falsely claims Barbers ‘admitted’ being a drug lord |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/spliced-video-falsely-claim-robert-barbers-admits-drug-lord/ |access-date=24 April 2025 |work=Rappler |date=10 December 2024}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=barbers-r Robert "Ace" S. Barbers profile at the official House of Representatives website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barbers, Robert Ace}}
Category:21st-century Filipino politicians
Category:Filipino people of American descent
Category:People from Surigao City
Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Surigao del Norte