Senate Orders Scrutiny of VP Duterte’s Financial Records

Senate Orders Scrutiny of VP Duterte’s Financial Records

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a pivotal decision, the Senate impeachment court has authorized the subpoena of Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records. This ruling marks a significant breakthrough for House prosecutors, potentially providing crucial evidence in allegations of unexplained wealth.

Presiding Officer Senator-judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced the court’s order for the production of financial documents belonging to Vice President Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, 19 associated companies, and Carpio’s law partnership. The court deemed these documents “prima facie relevant” to ascertain if the Vice President’s assets and transactions are disproportionate to her lawful income, a core component of the prosecution’s Article II case.

While granting extensive access, the court maintained a legal boundary by excluding foreign-currency deposits, citing statutory confidentiality protections. Requests pertaining to JTC Group of Companies Philippines Inc. and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines Corp. were also denied due to insufficient evidence linking them to Duterte or Carpio.

A Crucial Step for the Prosecution

This ruling is a critical win for the prosecution, granting them access to documentary evidence they contend is indispensable to proving allegations that Vice President Duterte accumulated wealth beyond her legitimate income and failed to fully disclose her assets during her public service.

Senator-judge Escudero underscored that the subpoenas are a preliminary procedural step, compelling the production of records, but do not automatically render them admissible as evidence. “The issuance of a subpoena is merely a preliminary procedural step and does not, by itself, authorize the disclosure, inspection, or admission of the requested tax records into evidence,” Escudero stated.

He further elaborated on the “prima facie relevant” nature of the requests, describing them as “reasonably described, readily identifiable.” He noted that the examination of bank records in an impeachment trial is not unprecedented.

Navigating Confidentiality and Due Process

Addressing defense arguments, Escudero referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dipad v. Spouses Olivan, clarifying that Section 270 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) does not explicitly address the confidentiality of Income Tax Returns. However, he acknowledged that the defense could invoke Section 71 and other NIRC provisions, which delineate specific instances for taxpayer record inspection: presidential order, foreign tax authority request with presidential approval, or taxpayer waiver. Escudero stated that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner could still refuse compliance by invoking these exceptions.

The court, however, rejected the defense’s objection to subpoenas for AMLC records. Citing Supreme Court decisions (Republic v. Sandiganbayan, Sabio v. Gordon), Escudero affirmed that confidentiality provisions under the Anti-Money Laundering Act do not shield the AMLC from lawful court subpoenas. “If the Sandiganbayan, pursuant to its subpoena powers, cannot be denied AMLC records, as well as the legislature in aid of legislation, it most certainly cannot be denied to the Senate sitting as an impeachment court,” he asserted.

Beyond a “Fishing Expedition”

The court also approved subpoenas for Duterte’s peso-denominated bank accounts, monthly bank statements, and other financial records from 2007 to 2021. Escudero dismissed the defense’s claim of a “fishing expedition,” asserting the documents were “reasonably described, readily identifiable, and prima facie relevant.” He reasoned that records dating back to Duterte’s tenure as Davao City vice mayor and mayor could establish a financial baseline to determine if assets accumulated as Vice President were disproportionate to her lawful income. However, he stressed these records could not be used to introduce new impeachable offenses predating her assumption of an impeachable office.

The inclusion of Carpio’s financial records was also upheld, citing Republic Act No. 6713, which mandates joint disclosure of assets by spouses in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth.

House prosecutors lauded the ruling as a victory. Representative Chel Diokno emphasized that the subpoenas are solely for document production, not automatic admission as evidence. “We won’t know if the Vice President really has unexplained wealth if we do not open her bank records, and if we don’t see the AMLC and BIR records,” Diokno stated, drawing parallels to the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, where pre-appointment bank records were admitted.

The defense, led by lawyer Michael Poa, reiterated its opposition, maintaining that prosecutors were engaged in an overly broad “fishing expedition” covering nearly two decades of financial records, including periods when Duterte was not yet an impeachable official. Poa also warned that allowing such subpoenas would erode due process protections by circumventing confidentiality provisions of tax and AMLC records. These arguments were firmly rejected by Escudero.

Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, currently detained, sought to cast his vote remotely, prompting a discussion on amending the impeachment court’s rules to accommodate such a request.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.