A House leader pushed back against claims that private status can shield individuals from public scrutiny, stressing that financial transparency remains essential, especially when large sums are involved.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts and a member of the justice panel, made the statement in reference to lawyer Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Carpio recently filed a complaint against lawmakers, as well as officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Ridon argued that Carpio’s financial ties to the Vice President provide a basis for scrutiny. He noted that the couple files joint income tax returns and that Carpio’s assets are reflected in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
He said these links make it difficult to separate Carpio’s financial dealings from matters subject to public accountability, adding that jointly declared income and assets justify closer examination.
Ridon also underscored the significance of the AMLC’s findings, which reportedly involve P6.77 billion in transactions, including P4.43 billion in inflows and a net inflow of P2.88 billion. He said such figures cannot be dismissed by invoking private citizenship.
“These are not minor or purely personal matters,” Ridon said, adding that transactions of this scale must be assessed alongside declared assets, net worth, and legitimate income sources.
He emphasized that claims of confidentiality cannot override Congress’ constitutional authority, particularly in the context of an impeachment inquiry. He added that lawmakers have the power to compel the production of documents and evidence when necessary.
Ridon also criticized Carpio’s complaint, describing it as a diversion that focuses on the disclosure process rather than addressing the substance of the financial records.
He said the issue centers on possible unexplained wealth and whether it constitutes a breach of public trust, a key point in ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Ridon said the matter ultimately comes down to accountability, adding that legal labels or technical defenses cannot sidestep questions about the origin of the billions and whether these can be reconciled with declared income and assets.