Manila: The House prosecution panel stated on Monday that its case against Vice President Sara Duterte is not solely reliant on one set of financial records. However, it expressed hope that the Senate impeachment court would consider the requested bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents as part of its evaluation of the allegations.
According to Philippines News Agency, House impeachment trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur and House prosecution legal spokesperson and private prosecutor Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa Jr. clarified whether the case would weaken if the court denied the prosecution access to Duterte's bank records. Tolosa emphasized that the Articles of Impeachment are not based solely on one or two pieces of evidence. 'We have other documentary and testimonial evidence,' Tolosa stated during a press briefing in the Senate.
The prosecution aims to obtain subpoenas for financial records involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases 'Mans' Carpio, concerning Article II, which includes allegations of unexplained wealth and the disclosure of assets in Duterte's Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. Tolosa highlighted that while other evidence exists, the requested documents are crucial to providing the impeachment court with a complete factual record.
Tolosa further explained that viewing the records should not be through partisan positions, stressing the importance of examining these documents against the allegations. He emphasized that regardless of political leanings, it is essential for everyone to demand access to these documents to ensure transparency and fairness.
Adiong pointed out the necessity for the impeachment court to examine all evidence to render a complete and unbiased decision. He argued that denying the court access to these documents could impede their ability to arrive at a fair judgment. Adiong also mentioned that the move to obtain and scrutinize financial documents would benefit all sides, including the defense, by ensuring that the truth is uncovered.
Tolosa reiterated that obtaining the documents would allow both the prosecution and defense to provide the public with a clear understanding of the Vice President's complete financial standing. He asserted that these documents are vital in addressing the issue of unexplained wealth, which will be discussed in detail shortly.
In a television interview, House prosecutor Rep. Joel Chua of Manila's 3rd District noted that the sealed tax records sought by the House prosecution panel could potentially support Duterte if they demonstrate that the questioned income and assets originate from legitimate sources. Chua confirmed that neither side has seen the Bureau of Internal Revenue records and that their production could favor Duterte rather than solely strengthen the prosecution's case.
Chua emphasized that presenting the tax documents would enable the senator-judges to compare allegations with actual records instead of relying solely on claims from either side. The BIR submitted sealed records during the House Committee on Justice proceedings, but the panel deferred opening them and later requested the Senate impeachment court to obtain certified copies through compulsory process.
