The unexplained and undeclared wealth case against Vice President Sara Duterte cannot be easily dismissed as mere political maneuvering, given that it is anchored on verifiable financial records and sworn declarations, according to Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr.
Tolosa, who serves as spokesperson and a member of the private prosecution panel, stated that the remaining impeachment charge relies on tangible documents that are open to independent verification and comparison, steering clear of partisan rhetoric.
“Ito naman ang mas madaling maunawaan, masubaybayan ng ating mga kababayan, at mahirap sabihing pamumulitika lamang,” Tolosa said.
Under Article II of the impeachment complaint, the prosecution introduced bank statements, tax declarations, corporate documents, and other financial records. The article accuses Duterte of accumulating unexplained wealth, omitting full and accurate disclosures of assets and liabilities in her SALNs, and holding prohibited business interests while in public office, supposedly violating constitutional provisions.
Atty. Alex Cabrera, a forensic expert for the prosecution, estimated that at least ₱817.87 million in unaccounted and undeclared wealth is linked to Duterte spanning the years 2022 to 2025.
According to Tolosa, these financial tracks offer a clearer evaluative standard because they directly match against documents that Duterte previously filed with regulatory agencies.
This evidence-based approach, coupled with public weariness over prolonged proceedings, influenced the prosecution’s choice to drop three out of the original four impeachment articles.
“Pinapakinggan natin ang sentimiyento ng mga kababayan natin na dapat as much as possible, iwasang tumagal pa ang hearing. Dito nagkakaroon ng impeachment fatigue,” he said.
The defense team representing Vice President Duterte is set to present its counter-evidence starting November 9.