The legal counsel of Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, announced Wednesday that they are weighing options to refile a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the unauthorized public disclosure of private bank records involving lawmakers and government officials.
The decision follows the dismissal of the initial complaint by the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, which ruled that the respondents acted within the scope of their official duties and that their actions were not inherently immoral.
Counsel for Carpio, Atty. Peter Paul Danao, pointed out that the dismissal was grounded strictly on procedural limits and a lack of jurisdiction, leaving the substantive allegations unaddressed.
“We acknowledge the September 7, 2026 Resolution of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. We are still awaiting and will carefully review the official copy of the Resolution,” Danao said.
“Once received, our client reserves the right to exhaust all available legal remedies to challenge the Resolution, consistent with his right to seek appropriate relief under the law and existing rules. At the very least, our client retains the option to refile the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, which the Resolution itself identifies as the proper forum based on its jurisdictional finding,” he added.
Danao maintained that the sensitive handling and public exposure of private financial information require an in-depth evaluation by a competent authority.
“It is important to emphasize that the complaint was recommended for dismissal without prejudice and on the ground of lack of jurisdiction. The Resolution therefore does not constitute a final determination on the merits of the allegations raised in the complaint,” Danao stated.
“The finding that the acts complained of were allegedly committed in relation to public office also leaves open the appropriate legal remedy and forum for pursuing the matter,” he added.
The dispute stems from bank account information intended for use by prosecution forces as evidence in an impeachment charge alleging unexplained wealth accumulation against Vice President Duterte.