Some Senator-Judges Express Reservations Over Subpoena for Sara Duterte's Financial Records

Some senator-judges have expressed reservations regarding the Senate impeachment court's ruling to issue a subpoena for the bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, dating back to 2007. Impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol stated that Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, and Camille Villar have submitted separate manifestations concerning the subpoena. It remains unclear if Senator-Judge Bong Go has also submitted a written manifestation. Senator Imee Marcos, in a statement, conveyed her opposition to the issuance of subpoenas for bank, tax, and AMLC records that cover periods outside of Duterte’s current term as Vice President. She argued, “The Vice President’s term began on June 30, 2022. The alleged acts committed before this date cannot be the subject of impeachment proceedings against her as Vice President.” Marcos also maintained that any issues concerning Duterte’s wealth acquired before assuming office should be addressed in regular courts, not the impeachment court. Senator Camille Villar, in her written manifestation, also expressed reservations about the impeachment court's ruling. She pointed out that while the Impeachment Court has the power to issue subpoenas, her reservation stems from requiring the production of records spanning nearly two decades, absent a clear showing of their direct relevance to the matters before the Court. Senator Robin Padilla had also opposed the court’s decision on Monday, arguing that if such “standards” were to be set, then the bank records of all impeachable officials should be opened. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano disclosed that he has submitted a written continuing objection to the ruling of Senate impeachment court presiding officer Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero, which was read on Monday. Cayetano also moved for his manifestation to be included in the records. This development highlights ongoing debates within the Senate regarding the scope and propriety of investigations into public officials' financial dealings, particularly concerning the timeline of alleged offenses relative to their current terms in office. The proceedings underscore the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and adhering to legal and procedural boundaries in high-profile impeachment cases.