The House prosecution team praised the Senate impeachment court’s ruling on Monday, July 20, granting their motion to subpoena the bank and tax documents of Vice President Sara Duterte and her spouse, Atty. Mans Carpio.
In a statement issued shortly after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced the court’s approval, former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, serving as House impeachment adviser, hailed the determination as a critical milestone.
“Today’s vote is a victory for truth, transparency, and accountability. The impeachment court has made it clear that the search for truth cannot be frustrated by claims of confidentiality when the Constitution itself demands a full and fair examination of the evidence,” Barbers said.
Barbers noted that these records would enable prosecutors to examine whether disparities exist between Duterte’s declared assets and income versus the real transactions reflected across tax filings, bank statements, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents.
“These financial records are indispensable in determining whether the allegations of unexplained wealth are supported by documentary evidence. They will provide the factual basis upon which the impeachment court can objectively assess the charges under article II,” he added.
The prosecution spokesman reiterated that the public expects uncompromising transparency throughout the proceedings.
“The Filipino people deserve nothing less than the whole truth. This impeachment trial is not about personalities or politics—it is about public accountability. Every peso entrusted by the people must be accounted for, and every public official, regardless of position, must answer for allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth before the Constitution and the Filipino nation,” Barbers said.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, another member of the House prosecution panel, also lauded the decision following the resumption of oral arguments.
”Panalo ito ng katotohanan, panalo ito ng pananagutan, panalo ito ng taumbayan,” Ridon said.
Barbers pointed out that Escudero’s directive effectively resolves the defense team’s arguments regarding bank secrecy laws and confidentiality protections, allowing the prosecution to introduce crucial financial material.
Escudero clarified that the requested filings met the legal criteria for subpoenas outlined in Section 3, Rule 21 of the Rules of Court and were directly pertinent to Article II of the impeachment complaint.
“After a careful examination of the records requested, the court finds that the requested documents meet the requirements set forth above. They are reasonably described, readily identifiable, prima facie relevant and material to the allegations under article II,” he said.
Escudero also referenced how similar bank records were admitted during the impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona.
“In granting that request, the court cited Section 2 of Republic Act No. 1405, which expressly recognizes cases of impeachment as an exception to the confidentiality of bank deposits and the rights to privacy of depositors,” he said.