Manila: Concerned banking and financial institutions have been given a deadline until September 2 to submit peso-denominated records involving Vice President Sara Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, and 20 entities linked to the couple. This directive comes from the Senate impeachment court as part of ongoing proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, the deadline was issued by Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Wednesday, following the court's prior limitations set in a July 20 ruling regarding subpoenas for financial records. Escudero stated, "The request for subpoena directed to the concerned banking institutions... and financial institutions covering the respondent, her spouse, Attorney Manases Carpio, as well as 20 entities allowed by this court in which the spouses hold an interest is hereby granted." The order specifies that only peso-denominated accounts are covered and excludes foreign currency deposits unless written consent is provided by the depositor.
The institutions are required to produce the requested documents before the Clerk of Court within the specified seven calendar days. Defense lead counsel Sheila Sison has indicated that Duterte's camp reserves the right to contest and seek remedies regarding the subpoenaed records. This move builds on the impeachment court's previous ruling, which allowed access to certain financial records as evidence in the impeachment case is examined by senator-judges.
In related developments, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) records are slated for review next week after prosecutors requested the presentation of additional documents and a PSA official before the Senate impeachment court. Escudero approved the prosecution's request to subpoena PSA official Marissa Grande for September 2. House lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas requested the issuance of a subpoena ad testificandum for Attorney Michael Wesley T. Poa and Ms. Marissa B. Grande, should it be deemed necessary.
The prosecution also received permission to conduct a conference for marking additional exhibits, particularly PSA documents, with representatives from both sides required to attend. Sison similarly sought the opportunity to prepare additional documentary exhibits for Duterte's camp, which was granted by Escudero, contingent on the availability of involved parties and the Clerk of Court. The purpose of Grande's testimony and the additional PSA records has not been specified.
The trial is set to resume on September 1, with Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing II and Col. Panopio expected to testify as prosecution witnesses.
