MANILA – Lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio defended his credit card transactions discussed during the impeachment trial of his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that the expenses were personal and paid for using his own hard-earned money.
In a statement, Carpio maintained that there was nothing illegal about spending his personal funds, rejecting attempts to associate the transactions with the Vice President or her official duties.
“There is nothing illegal about spending my own hard-earned money,” Carpio said.
He clarified that the credit card charges involving expenses in Japan, purchases from Nike and spending in Kuala Lumpur were his personal transactions.
Carpio also emphasized that Duterte had no involvement in the purchases and was not present at the locations where the transactions occurred.
“They should not be misrepresented as expenses of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte or linked to her official functions,” he said.
His statement came after the transactions were discussed during the Senate impeachment proceedings against Duterte, where financial records and spending activities have been among the matters examined.
Carpio maintained that the expenses should be distinguished from his wife’s personal finances and official responsibilities.
The Senate impeachment court has yet to determine the evidentiary significance of the transactions as part of its evaluation of the case.
The Vice President continues to face impeachment proceedings, with the allegations subject to the court’s assessment of the evidence presented by the prosecution and defense.
