Manila: The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, has approved the House prosecution's request to issue subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records. Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced that the records satisfy the legal requirements for subpoenas duces tecum, stating they are reasonably described, identifiable, and relevant to the allegations under Article II.
According to Philippines News Agency, the court ordered the production of peso-denominated bank records of Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, their joint accounts, Carpio Lawyers law firm, and 19 corporate entities linked to the respondent. Subpoenas were also granted for their AMLC records. However, requests for records from JTC Group of Companies Philippines Inc. and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines Corporation were denied due to insufficient links to Duterte or Carpio. The subpoenas were restricted to peso-denominated accounts, with foreign currency deposits excluded.
The court further approved the request to subpoena the Bureau of Internal Revenue for Duterte's tax records from 2007 to 2021, aiming to establish a financial baseline for asset assessment during her term. Escudero clarified that the records are not for determining tax deficiencies or civil liabilities but for public accountability under the Articles of Impeachment. The BIR commissioner may invoke exceptions under the National Internal Revenue Code in responding to the order.
Banks, the AMLC, and the BIR were instructed to submit records to the Clerk of Court on July 30 at 9 a.m., with AMLC documents to undergo in-camera review by the presiding officer before release to the parties.
House prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers welcomed the ruling, stating it affirms that no public official can use confidentiality to shield evidence relevant to accountability in an impeachment trial. Barbers emphasized that the subpoenaed records will allow the prosecution to examine evidence that may reveal discrepancies between Duterte's declared income and assets and her financial transactions.
Barbers asserted that the financial records are vital for determining if allegations of unexplained wealth are supported by evidence, providing a factual basis for the impeachment court to assess charges under Article II. He noted the ruling resolves legal issues raised by the defense concerning the Bank Secrecy Law and confidentiality statutes, enabling the trial to present material financial evidence.
Barbers highlighted the prosecution's commitment to presenting relevant, competent, and admissible evidence, reflecting a focus on strong documentary and testimonial evidence. He emphasized that the trial is about public accountability, stating that every public official must answer for allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth.
