The House prosecution team warned of serious national security implications if P319 million in Chinese remittances to a company linked to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s husband were used to finance her political activities, stating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has every reason to be alarmed.
House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers said during a press briefing on Day 38 of Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial that the transfers warrant a comprehensive inquiry, citing concerns over potential foreign influence involving the nation’s second-highest official.
“Talagang very alarming kasi dahil merong national security implications ’yan,” Barbers said.
Barbers made the statement following weekend remarks by the President expressing concern over reports that funds originating from China reached the Vice President through a firm linked to her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
The President warned that such allegations, if verified, would constitute a serious threat to national security at the highest level.
Barbers noted that investigators must establish whether the financial inflows received by Cale88 Foods Corp. ultimately funded Duterte’s political campaigns or operations.
“Kung ito’y mapapatunayan sa isang malalimang imbestigasyon, therefore, napaka-alarming at nakakatakot ito. At ito ay may serious national security implication,” Barbers also said.
Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) financial records submitted to the impeachment court revealed that Cale88 received P319.326 million in inward remittances from mainland China and Hong Kong.
The disclosures raised questions regarding the origin and purpose of the funds, though the records presented have not established that the transfers originated directly from the Chinese government or were personally received by Duterte.
House private prosecutor and spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. echoed Barbers’ concerns, pointing out potential constitutional ramifications if the claims are substantiated.
“If these allegations are found to be true and accurate by the senator-judges, it may have national security implications,” Tolosa said.
Tolosa emphasized that the Senate impeachment court holds the ultimate responsibility to determine if Duterte committed a culpable violation of the Constitution or betrayed public trust.
Tolosa referenced constitutional prohibitions forbidding public officers from accepting gifts or compensation from foreign states, adding that the rules become critical if proof demonstrates Duterte accepted funds from a nation engaging in aggressive actions against the Philippines.
“Seryoso ba itong paglabag, hindi lang sa Constitution but sa tiwala ng bayan, kung tumanggap talaga siya ng ganitong pera from another country which has taken aggressive actions against us?” Tolosa also said.
Tolosa stated that the core question facing the impeachment court remains whether Duterte is fit to remain in office in light of the evidence and allegations presented.
The Chinese remittances form part of the financial transactions introduced under Article II of the impeachment complaint against Duterte, which covers allegations of unexplained wealth and non-disclosure in Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.