By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – A series of cash withdrawals totaling PHP41 million in just one hour and 13 minutes has drawn scrutiny at the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, with a forensic expert describing the transactions as unusual and potentially indicative of efforts to avoid leaving a financial trail.
During Monday’s hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned forensic expert lawyer Cabrera about transactions recorded on Aug. 6, 2024, as reflected in Table 24 of his report.
“Sa ordinaryong tao po, unusual po. PHP41 million in cash, kailangan nyo po siyempre ng bag po doon (For an ordinary person, that is unusual. PHP41 million in cash, you would naturally need a bag to carry it),” Cabrera said.
He said the timing and manner of the withdrawals raised questions about why such a substantial amount was taken out in cash instead of being transferred through traceable banking instruments.
“Pero pagka po kasi cash, ibig sabihin, ayaw po ng trail (But when it is cash, it means you do not want a trail),” he said.
Cabrera explained that investigators examine not only the amount of money involved but also the timing of transactions and the presence or absence of supporting documents.
He said the withdrawals appeared to have been conducted in rapid succession, with the sequence resuming after a lunch break, suggesting that those involved were moving with urgency.
Cabrera said transactions lacking sufficient documentation could be considered warning signs in forensic investigations, particularly when records do not clearly establish their purpose or the ultimate recipients of the money.
He stressed the importance of examining the financial trail, including corporate and regulatory documents that could explain why the withdrawals were made.
The exchange formed part of Hontiveros’ examination of Cabrera’s forensic report, which alleged that Duterte and her spouse had PHP817.87 million in assets and financial interests not properly reflected in their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth from 2022 to 2025.
Cabrera maintained that his team had taken a conservative approach in assessing the financial records, including safeguards against double counting assets and bank balances.
The questioned withdrawals remain subject to the impeachment court’s assessment and do not, by themselves, establish that the transactions were unlawful. (PNA)
RAPID WITHDRAWALS. Forensic expert Alexander Cabrera testifies during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Monday (Oct. 12, 2026). He said cash withdrawals totaling PHP41 million in just one hour and 13 minutes on Aug. 6, 2024, raised questions over the absence of a clear financial trail.
