Sara Duterte's Financial Records: Impeachment Court Prioritizes Inventory Over Speed

The Senate Impeachment Court is prioritizing a meticulous inventory of Vice President Sara Duterte's financial and tax records over a swift release, emphasizing that security and accuracy take precedence over speed. According to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on "24 Oras," Senate Impeachment Court Spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol stated that while Duterte's records have been received, the court still needs to conduct a thorough inventory. "The impeachment Court will not rush the chain of custody. Security and accuracy take precedence over speed," Tongol said. He added that the clerk of court will release the documents to the parties only after the meticulous inventory process is complete. For records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), this will happen after the presiding officer completes an 'in camera' review. Tongol reiterated that the court will only release the documents to all parties once the inventory is fully completed. The impeachment court has already acquired the tax and financial records of the couple from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the AMLC, and various banks. Meanwhile, Manases Carpio, the lawyer for Duterte's husband, has indicated that there are legal issues surrounding the court's acquisition of records pertaining to his joint accounts with his wife. His party is reportedly exploring the possibility of seeking intervention from the Court of Tax Appeals or the Supreme Court. Carpio's counsel, Neil Abayon, clarified that their intention is not to halt the impeachment trial but to protect Carpio's rights as a private citizen. "He is not an impeachable officer, so how would we respond to the impeachment court? And all of his documents will be divulged there?" Abayon questioned in Filipino. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between the demand for transparency from public officials and the protection of the privacy rights of their family members. In the Philippines, while accountability is paramount, due process and individual rights remain critical considerations. Information Source: GMA News Philippines