Unexplained Wealth Can Lead to Ouster, Ex-Justice Says

MANILA, Philippines — A retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice attested at Monday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte that having unexplained wealth could be a ground for a public officer’s removal or dismissal from office. One of four articles of impeachment lodged against Duterte accuses her of amassing unexplained wealth, failure to disclose all her assets. The former justice, who was not named, said that under the law, a public officer must be able to explain the source of their wealth. "The law requires that the source of wealth must be legitimate," he said. He added that "unexplained wealth is a ground for removal or dismissal from office." "The people are the source of power. So, the people must be informed of the source of wealth of their officials," he stressed. He said that if a public officer cannot explain the source of his or her wealth, "then that is a ground for removal or dismissal from office." The former justice said this is in line with the principle of accountability and transparency in public service. "Public officers are accountable to the people, and they must be transparent in their dealings," he said. He added that this is also in line with the principle of "moral ascendancy" that public officers must possess. "They must be able to show that they are men and women of integrity and probity," he said. He said that the impeachment trial of Duterte is important because it will set a precedent for other public officers. "This will serve as a warning to other public officers that they must be transparent and accountable to the people," he said. He added that this will also help to promote good governance in the country. "This is a step towards good governance," he said. He said that he is confident that the impeachment trial will be fair and impartial. "I am confident that the Sandiganbayan will render a just decision," he said. He said that he is also confident that the people will be able to see the truth. "The people will be able to see the truth," he said. He said that he is praying for justice. "I am praying for justice," he said.