Manila: A year-by-year examination of Vice President Sara Duterte's statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) received renewed scrutiny at the House Committee on Justice. This occurred after a lawmaker urged the Office of the Ombudsman to verify whether the business interests declared by Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, have consistently grown over time.
According to Philippines News Agency, Surigao del Norte Representative Bernadette Barbers raised questions during the hearing, asking if the SALNs showed an annual increase in business interests for the couple. Lawyer Karen Batu from the Central Records Division of the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that the information read was accurately reported in their SALNs but refrained from drawing any conclusions.
Barbers led the committee through a detailed review of the SALN filings from 2007 to 2024, highlighting the expansion of declared business interests and financial connections over the years. Initially, in 2007, the couple declared interests in three companies: Davao Emerging Taipan Corporation, Davao Bounty Times Food Corporation, and City Hall King Chow Foods Corporation.
The number of declared companies remained unchanged in 2008 and 2009, but started expanding in 2010 with additional companies appearing in the SALNs. By 2011, the list had further grown to include the Zelta Matiem Salon.
In the 2016 SALN, the number of listed interests increased to eight, reflecting a broader array of business ties. Batu confirmed the 2016 declarations included Davao New Royal Taipan Corporation, Davao Bounty Times Food Corporation, Metro City Chow Foods Corporation, and others.
The 2017 to 2020 SALNs maintained several recurring companies, showing consistency and an eventual expansion of entries. By 2021 and 2022, the number of declared business interests rose to eight, including firms like Carpio Duterte Lawyers and Mandayaw Fisheries Inc.
In 2023, the number of declared business interests reached 11, covering ventures in food, fisheries, real estate, and security operations. The 2024 SALN retained 10 declared business interests and financial connections.
Barbers emphasized that the growing list of corporate links raises significant questions that should be examined alongside the couple's income, net worth, and overall wealth. She expressed hope for a better understanding of the reasons behind the increasing business interests of the Duterte-Carpio couple.
