Two major issues—the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and alleged public threats—are emerging as central points in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to legal observers.
Veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan said the AMLC report, which flagged a total of P6.77 billion in covered and suspicious transactions linked to Duterte and her husband from 2006 to 2025, presents one of the strongest pieces of evidence in the case. She noted that the documented inflows and outflows, along with a reported net inflow of P2.88 billion, are based on financial records that are difficult to dispute.
Kapunan pointed out that these figures appear inconsistent with the Vice President’s declared wealth in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), which showed a net worth of about P88.4 million in 2024. She also noted that no cash on hand or bank deposits were declared for several consecutive years, raising questions about possible discrepancies.
Beyond financial issues, Kapunan said Duterte’s controversial remarks during a November 2024 press conference could also weigh heavily in the proceedings. She cited findings by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which authenticated video footage of the event and later filed complaints for inciting to sedition and grave threats.
The video, presented before the House Committee on Justice, was verified as original and unaltered, with its chain of custody confirmed by investigators. The footage included statements in which Duterte allegedly spoke of a plan involving harm to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez under certain circumstances.
Kapunan argued that such statements cannot be easily dismissed as rhetorical, especially given the position held by the Vice President. She added that public officials are expected to exercise restraint, noting that remarks involving violence raise serious concerns about judgment and accountability.
The House justice panel has already found probable cause to recommend Duterte’s impeachment, citing multiple grounds, including alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against top officials.
The case is expected to move to the plenary of the House of Representatives, which will decide whether to elevate the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.