Manila:The House prosecution panel is gearing up to question defense witnesses about properties allegedly connected to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and her family during her impeachment trial, which is set to resume on November 9.
According to Philippines News agency, House prosecutor Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro party-list stated at a press briefing that these properties, which include mansions and other holdings, could be pivotal in cross-examinations. The defense is expected to respond to allegations of unexplained wealth ranging from PHP800 million to PHP1.5 billion.
Ridon mentioned that the properties allegedly linked to Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte and others identified by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as belonging to the vice president could be scrutinized. Although Vice President Duterte has denied ownership of some properties, Ridon noted that NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that investigators verified property records with the Land Registration Authority and conducted site inspections.
The NBI had previously presented information on properties allegedly associated with the Duterte family, including mansions in Davao City and a resort on Samal Island. Ridon emphasized the prosecution's intention to use cross-examinations to seek clarity on the ownership and details of these disputed properties.
Ridon also speculated that Vice President Duterte might claim ignorance regarding financial transactions involving her father and husband. However, he expressed skepticism that such a defense would adequately address the allegations of unexplained wealth. The prosecution had earlier presented records of financial transactions involving Duterte, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) identified PHP4.4 billion in aggregate covered and suspicious transactions involving Duterte and Carpio from 2007 to 2025. Additionally, forensic accounting expert Alexander Cabrera estimated Duterte and Carpio's allegedly unexplained wealth to be PHP817.87 million from 2022 to 2025, with the potential to reach PHP1.5 billion under a broader analysis.
The defense has contested the prosecution's findings and questioned aspects of Cabrera's analysis. Ridon stated the prosecution is awaiting the defense's explanation of the financial transactions as they prepare to present their evidence. The prosecution has concluded its case on Article II, the remaining impeachment charge concerning alleged unexplained wealth.
