MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) will examine information presented during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial concerning reported financial inflows from China to a Philippine-based company linked to her family, amid concerns over the possible national security implications of foreign funding.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. said Tuesday, October 6, that the NSC is taking the reported transactions seriously and will assess the information through established legal and investigative processes.
“The National Security Council takes seriously the information presented during the impeachment proceedings regarding reported financial inflows from China into a Philippine-based company associated with the family of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Oban said.
He stressed that the impeachment proceedings are still ongoing and that the information presented must first undergo proper scrutiny. However, he said substantial foreign financial flows that could have implications for national security warrant closer examination.
“While the proceedings remain ongoing and the information presented should be properly examined within established legal processes, the reported transactions and any credible information involving significant foreign financial flows that may bear upon the country’s national security warrants careful, in-depth, and responsible assessment,” he added.
The NSC’s move follows testimony before the Senate impeachment court regarding financial transactions involving Cale88 Foods Corporation, a company linked to Duterte’s husband, Manases Carpio. AMLC records presented during the proceedings showed that the company received about ₱319.3 million in remittances from China and Hong Kong.
The reported transactions have been presented as part of the broader impeachment proceedings involving allegations concerning Duterte’s financial interests. The nature and implications of the reported inflows remain subject to further examination.
Oban said the NSC will coordinate with intelligence, investigative and other government agencies to determine whether the transactions raise any security concerns.
“The NSC will look into the information presented and, as a matter of policy, continue to task the intelligence and investigative agencies and coordinate with relevant government institutions to assess the national security implications, if any, arising from the reported transactions,” Oban said.
The NSC has not made a finding of wrongdoing and said the reported transactions must be assessed within established legal processes before any conclusions are reached.