House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro called for a comprehensive legislative review of the country’s anti-graft, tax, anti-money laundering, and procurement laws following disclosures made during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Luistro said Congress needs to evaluate whether existing statutes require amendments or stricter enforcement to prevent financial misconduct and address conflicts of interest involving government officials.
“We need to revisit, if not to amend, laws such as Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, [Republic Act (RA)] 3019; Anti-Money Laundering Act; Procurement Law; [RA] 6713, which is the Code of Conduct [and Ethical Standards for] Public Officials and Employees; at siguro isama na rin natin Securities Regulation Act, and also the COA (Commission on Audit) rules,” Luistro said during a news forum.
The House Committee on Justice chairperson made the proposal when asked about potential legislative reforms emerging after 37 days of impeachment proceedings.
Luistro raised questions regarding the absence of formal tax evasion complaints despite financial discrepancies presented by forensic expert witness Atty. Alexander Cabrera.
“I find it strange. Bakit walang kasong nafa-file for tax evasion?” Luistro said.
Luistro pointed to P101 million in allegedly unlisted personal income, P142 million involving Cale88 Foods Corp. and Metro City Chow Food Corp., and P212 million associated with GenCorp Industries Inc., entities linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
“Ang laki nito. Did we file a tax evasion case? Have we reached the threshold?” Luistro also said.
Luistro said Congress should review the National Internal Revenue Code to establish clearer statutory guidelines for investigating possible tax violations.
Luistro also urged stronger inter-agency coordination among the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Department of Justice when financial audits uncover potential illegalities.
Luistro noted that the operational responsibilities of the AMLC require clearer definition, specifically regarding when findings ought to trigger formal referrals or complaints.
Luistro also highlighted 19 Davao City municipal contracts valued at approximately P34 million awarded to GenCorp, a firm where Duterte declared a business interest.
Luistro questioned potential conflicts of interest given that the city government was led by Duterte’s brother, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
“Nakita natin during the presentation of evidence, nag-declare ang respondent Vice President ng business interest sa GenCorp, but look what happened: 19 contracts equivalent to around 34 million [pesos] were awarded by no less than the City Government of Davao, headed by her own brother,” Luistro said.
Luistro also questioned variances between Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) and corporate filings submitted by GenCorp to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Luistro said lawmakers should assess institutional safeguards under RA 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, to prevent procedural conflicts of interest.
Luistro also called for clearer guidelines covering SALN disclosures under RA 6713, along with reviews of securities regulations and COA rules.
Cabrera testified Friday that his audit identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and income associated with Duterte and Carpio between 2022 and 2025, supporting Article II allegations of unexplained wealth.
Luistro stressed that primary shortcomings may stem from regulatory enforcement rather than statutory omissions.
“Baka ang kulang, implementation. Laws may be sufficient, pero ang kulang [ang] implementation,” Luistro said.
The prosecution’s findings remain subject to cross-examination by defense counsel and final evaluation by the Senate impeachment court.