A House prosecutor said Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio could still be called as a hostile witness in the impeachment trial of his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte, particularly because of the legal implications of their marital property and financial interests.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the prosecution panel, explained Saturday, September 12, that Carpio’s personal assets, businesses and financial dealings could be relevant to the allegation of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.
Ridon, who is set to handle Article II of the impeachment complaint alongside Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno, said Carpio’s properties and interests may form part of the couple’s overall wealth.
“Very relevant po ’yung asawa po ng Pangalawang Pangulo dahil, siyempre, basically kung ano po ’yung pag-aari ni Atty. Carpio ay pag-aari din po ng ating Pangalawang Pangulo,” Ridon said during a media forum.
He said questioning Carpio could help the prosecution establish the extent of the couple’s assets, wealth and business interests.
“So I think very relevant po ’yung mga pagtatanong patungkol doon sa mga actual na extent ng kanilang mga ari-arian, ’yun pong actual na extent ng kanilang mga kayamanan at kanilang mga kumpanya,” he said.
Ridon added that the prosecution is still considering Carpio as an adverse witness as it prepares to present evidence on the unexplained wealth allegation beginning Monday, September 14.
“So as it is, asking him to be a hostile witness for the prosecution today remains on the table,” he said.
The Senate, acting as the impeachment court, had previously approved subpoenas seeking bank and tax records involving Duterte, Carpio and companies linked to them. The prosecution said it has already obtained copies of the documents it intends to present for Article II.
Ridon also questioned whether Carpio could invoke the same protection against self-incrimination that Duterte may assert if she takes the witness stand.
“So if the Vice President, for example, will insist on her right against self-incrimination, I don’t think Atty. Carpio can actually raise that same particular point,” he said.
He clarified, however, that any assertion of the privilege would ultimately depend on the impeachment court and the nature of the questions directed at Carpio.
The prosecution is reviewing more than 1,800 financial documents for Article II, including bank and tax records associated with Duterte, Carpio and their businesses.
Article II accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust over alleged unexplained wealth.