Duterte impeachment trial: Senate to decide on subpoena for tax, bank records

On the seventh day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, the Senate Impeachment Court will decide whether to issue a subpoena for Duterte’s bank and tax records. The prosecution panel requested these documents as potential evidence for the court when it tackles Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth under Article II of the impeachment complaint, the last article to be discussed. Through Representative Chel Diokno, the prosecution argued on July 17 that the impeachment court has the “unique power and right” to examine bank and tax records to decide the case “based on the whole truth… for the interest and welfare of the Filipino people.” They cited the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona as a precedent where such documents were accepted as evidence. Conversely, Duterte’s defense team, represented by lawyer Michael Poa, objected to the issuance of a subpoena, asserting that existing laws protect Duterte’s confidential financial information. Poa also contended that issuing a subpoena solely to find incriminating evidence after charges have been filed constitutes “a weapon of a fishing expedition.” Despite holding a caucus after the oral arguments, the senator-judges failed to reach a decision on the prosecution’s request. The senator-judges will have the opportunity to debate the issuance of a subpoena for Duterte’s bank and tax records on Monday. This trial holds significant implications for Philippine political stability and the accountability of public officials. The disclosure of information regarding the Vice President's financial status is a matter of public trust, emphasizing the need for transparency.