The Senate impeachment court approved the House of Representatives prosecution panel’s request to subpoena Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s tax records and partially granted the motion to obtain bank records involving her and her husband, Manases R. Carpio. The ruling pertains to the second article of impeachment, which centers on allegations of unexplained wealth and financial irregularities.
Presiding officer Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero stated that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) may invoke exemptions under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) when deciding whether to comply with the subpoena. He noted that the BIR commissioner retains discretion to refuse or comply with the request based on legal exceptions.
The court also authorized subpoenas for BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza and banks holding accounts linked to Duterte-Carpio and her husband. However, the scope of the bank records was limited, with the prosecution’s request partially approved to narrow the timeframe and documentation sought.
Defense counsel Michael T. Poa opposed the subpoenas, arguing they constituted an unconstitutional “fishing expedition” and violated due process. He criticized the volume of records requested, comparing it to casting a wide net without a clear basis. The defense further contended that the records date back to 2007, when Duterte-Carpio was vice-mayor of Davao City, and claimed existing bank secrecy and tax laws bar disclosure.
House prosecutor Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” I. Diokno rejected the defense’s characterization, asserting that investigators already have evidence from Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports to justify the subpoenas. He emphasized that the AMLC had flagged suspicious transactions tied to Duterte-Carpio during her tenure as a public official.
Watchdog group Bantay Impeachment urged senator-judges to permit public disclosure of the tax and bank records, stating they are vital for assessing accountability. The group highlighted allegations in the impeachment articles involving P6.7 billion in transactions linked to Duterte-Carpio and her husband, arguing that transparency is essential to prevent the trial from losing credibility.
The organization called on the public to pressure senators to support the release of records through community engagement and advocacy, stressing that openness is necessary to address claims of misused public funds. It warned that withholding the documents would undermine the trial’s purpose and public trust.
