The defense panel of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday objected to the presentation of Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura as a witness, arguing that financial information must be handled and verified in accordance with the law.
Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan maintained that Duterte was not concealing anything but said the disclosure and presentation of financial records should follow proper legal procedures.
“Walang tinatago ang Bise Presidente, ngunit ang mga datos ay dapat dumaan sa tamang proseso ng pagberipika nang naaayon sa batas at hindi dapat ibalandra ang mga ito sa publiko sa pamamaraang mali, malisyoso at ang tanging layon ay pamumulitika lamang,” Vinluan told the impeachment court.
The objection came as the prosecution sought to present Buenaventura on Day 33 of Duterte’s impeachment trial to testify on summaries of covered transaction reports and suspicious transaction reports involving the Vice President, her husband Manases Carpio, and several juridical entities.
The defense had earlier raised concerns over the confidentiality of the AMLC records, citing provisions of the amended Anti-Money Laundering Act. Buenaventura’s testimony, initially expected on October 1, was moved to Monday after the defense was given additional time to review the documents.
The prosecution maintains that the AMLC records are relevant to its presentation of evidence concerning allegations of unexplained wealth against Duterte. The defense has disputed the allegations and challenged the manner in which the financial records are being presented.
