SINGAPORE — Malacañang reiterated that it is maintaining a hands-off approach regarding the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, though it emphasized the substantial evidentiary weight of bank documents presented in the proceedings.
Speaking at a news briefing on Wednesday, October 7, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out that financial records introduced directly by banking institutions carry immense significance, particularly when accompanied by official verification.
”Ang mga bank accounts na ipinapakita mismo ng bank representatives, malaki ang epekto nito, malaki iyong value niya,” Castro said.
Castro noted that financial documentation is widely regarded as reliable in legal matters due to the high standard of trustworthiness associated with banking institutions.
”because they do not lie.”
She highlighted that such records are nearly impossible to refute unless there is proof of alteration, a scenario she described as exceptional given that financial institutions depend heavily on maintaining the credibility and integrity of their holdings.
”So, hindi po ito basta-basta mapapasinungalingan maliban lamang kung may makikitang pagta-tamper ng dokumento. Pero bihirang-bihira po sa mga bangko iyan dahil ang kredibilidad nila, ang integridad nila, ang nakasalalay dito,” Castro said.
Despite commenting on the legal weight of banking evidence, Castro refrained from expressing any stance on how the Senate should ultimately decide the case.
She emphasized that the administration prefers to allow the public to evaluate the evidence introduced during the trial to avoid allegations of political interference.
”Ayaw po namin ngayong magsalita patungkol kung anong magiging desisyon ng Senado, ng mga senator-judges, patungkol dito sa impeachment trial. At baka pagbintangan na naman tayo na namumulitika, taumbayan na lamang po ang tumingin kung ano ang nailalahad na mga ebidensiya,” Castro said.
She also noted that the financial records presented carry certification from the respective banking entities, adding that any inconsistencies would ultimately be evaluated against the full scope of evidence submitted in court.
”At ito naman ay certified correct mula sa mga bangko at kung mayroon mang mga ibang mga inconsistencies, still, ebidensiya pa rin ang magpapatunay kung ano ba ang tunay na nilalaman ng mga bank accounts ni VP Sara, ng kanyang asawa, at bank accounts na kasama ang kanyang ama na si dating Pangulong Duterte,” she added.
Castro stated that the responsibility to clarify the origins and legitimacy of the funds rests squarely on the Vice President, especially following concerns raised in hearings regarding millions of pesos allegedly missing from her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
”Dapat maipakita ito mismo ng Bise Presidente, kung lehitimo ba ang pagkakaroon ng gaanong kalaking pondo sa bangko na hindi nila—ayon sa hearing, ay hindi nila inilahad sa kanilang SALN ang ibang mga milyones na pumasok sa kanilang bank accounts,” Castro also said.
The Palace reaffirmed its position that it will not influence the final verdict, leaving senator-judges and the public to weigh the evidence and arguments as the impeachment trial unfolds.