Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday said the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has the authority to issue subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's tax and bank records, should these be deemed necessary in the impeachment proceedings. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted that matters involving tax records and potential unexplained wealth are generally subject to court orders.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that any case involving taxes or possible unexplained wealth that may be established or substantiated through relevant records could require their production through a court order. She emphasized that the Senate, currently acting as the impeachment court, possesses the authority and mandate to determine the procedures it will implement.

Castro also mentioned that there has not been any request submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. seeking authorization for the release of Duterte's tax or bank records. She further noted that it would be more appropriate for the impeachment court to issue the necessary subpoenas or orders. Presidential approval might raise questions in future cases, as the President is also an impeachable official under the Constitution.

In the event that a sitting president faces impeachment in the future, Castro suggested that the impeachment court could order the release of records from agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, if necessary. She remarked that it is unlikely for an elected official undergoing impeachment proceedings to voluntarily disclose such documents.

On Monday, the Senate impeachment court granted the prosecution team's request from the House of Representatives to subpoena the bank and tax records of Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio. The court's decision was based on the relevance and definiteness of the documents, which are intended to prove Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth. The subpoenas cover at least 19 companies and one partnership, though not all financial records were granted.