Terry Ridon, representative of the Bicol Saro Party-list, rejected claims that the House Committee on Justice is conducting a “fishing expedition” in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that the inquiry is grounded in documentary evidence.
“Alam ninyo entitled naman ho sila sa opinion nila. Pero, the facts are very clear. Mayroon pong kailangang ipaliwanag ang ating pangalawang pangulo doon sa discrepancy na kanya pong SALN ng 2007 at 2024,” Ridon said, referring to Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Ridon stressed that the probe is not speculative, pointing to existing records as the basis of the investigation:
“Fishing expedition lang po ‘yan kung wala ho tayong pinagsisimulang mga dokumento. Ang problema meron, nasa SALN po mismo ng pangalawang pangulo,” he added.
He cited a reported “wealth gap,” noting that Duterte earned between ₱30 million and ₱50 million since 2007, yet declared a net worth of ₱88 million in 2024.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the panel approved subpoenas for documents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including income tax returns, VAT records, and audited financial statements linked to Duterte, her husband Mans Carpio, and associated companies.
Committee chair Gerville Luistro of Batangas’ 2nd District said the hearings are proceeding after the panel determined that the complaints were sufficient:
“In other words, the committee already ruled on the existence of sufficient basis to proceed to hearing proper, that includes the issuance of subpoena,” Luistro said.
Vice President Duterte earlier dismissed the proceedings as a “fishing expedition,” claiming the committee lacks evidence against her.