Manila: House prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno on Tuesday said the Senate impeachment court's order allowing the subpoena of Vice President Sara Duterte's financial and tax records is a significant step in the prosecution's effort to prove the unexplained wealth charge against her.

According to Philippines News Agency, Diokno, who led the prosecution's oral arguments on the subpoena motions on Monday, said the ruling is important in preparing the prosecution's evidence under Article II of the impeachment complaint. He emphasized the development as a big step forward in the prosecution's case concerning unexplained wealth, but noted that the case is still in its early stages.

Diokno highlighted that while the ruling is a crucial development, it marks just the beginning of their preparations for the documents that will be produced on July 30. On Monday, the Senate impeachment court approved most of the prosecution's requests to subpoena Duterte's bank and tax records, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents, and records of companies in which she and her husband, lawyer Manases 'Mans' Carpio, have financial interests. However, foreign currency-denominated accounts and two of the 21 corporations identified by the prosecution were excluded.

Diokno clarified that the ruling only orders the production of the requested documents and does not mean they are already admissible as evidence. The issue of admissibility will be addressed only after the prosecution formally offers the documents as evidence during its presentation of the unexplained wealth case.

Lawyer Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa Jr., legal spokesperson and counsel for the House prosecutors, described the Senate's action as an important victory for truth and accountability. He emphasized that in an impeachment proceeding, the truth is thoroughly investigated and proven using evidence.

Access to the subpoenaed documents is expected to help prosecutors present what they believe is the Vice President's complete financial picture when the Senate begins hearing the unexplained wealth article. Before that, Diokno mentioned that the prosecution will first complete the presentation of evidence on the article involving Duterte's alleged threats before proceeding to the charge over the alleged misuse of confidential funds.