The House prosecution team has identified four major issues involving Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s financial records that must be explained as her impeachment trial resumes on November 9.
House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said the remaining impeachment charge under Article II covers Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), alleged unexplained wealth, business interests while in office, and remittances from China linked to the financial investigation.
“Gusto lamang po nating ipabatid sa ating mga kababayan o sa ating mga mamamayan ang kahalagahan ng Article II na ito o ’yung sinasabi nating unexplained wealth,” Barbers said at a press briefing.
Barbers said the prosecution wanted the public to understand the evidence presented during the Senate impeachment trial.
The first issue concerns whether Duterte’s sworn asset declarations match official financial records, including bank balances, insurance policies, investments, and real properties.
The second is whether her reported income can sufficiently explain her accumulated wealth.
“Sapat ba ang kita ng ating pangalawang pangulo para maipaliwanag ang kanyang dineklarang netong halaga ng kanyang yaman o ng kanyang ari-arian?” Barbers asked.
The third issue involves Duterte’s business interests while serving as vice president.
Barbers cited Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, which prohibits the president, vice president, and Cabinet members from participating in business or holding certain financial interests while in office.
“So mahalagang maipaliwanag din po ito,” Barbers also said.
The fourth issue involves remittances from China uncovered during the prosecution’s examination of financial transactions.
Barbers said other prosecution representatives would discuss the remittances in greater detail during succeeding press conferences.
The prosecution previously presented bank records, tax documents, asset declarations, and financial analysis in support of Article II.
The defense has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the financial records and is expected to present its evidence when the trial resumes.
Barbers said the prosecution’s objective was to explain the significance of the remaining impeachment charge and the evidence already presented in court.