The Senate impeachment court resumed its 10th trial day on July 22, with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero presiding and Senate President Win Gatchalian leading the opening prayer. Fourteen senators were present as Land Bank personnel prepared to testify on Article I of the impeachment complaint involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds. COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines/YouTube.
More than 1,800 financial records are set to come into focus when Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial resumes Sept. 14, as prosecutors shift from the confidential funds controversy to allegations that her wealth was disproportionate to her lawful income.
The transition to Article II came sooner than expected after House prosecutors abandoned plans to call their remaining 15 witnesses for Article I, which deals with the alleged misuse and irregular liquidation of Duterte’s confidential funds.
With the first phase winding down, the impeachment court suspended hearings on Wednesday and Thursday to give both camps time to organize and mark more than 1,800 bank, insurance and other financial records that could be used in the next stage of the case. Proceedings are scheduled to resume Monday.
Article II alleges that Duterte accumulated assets and conducted financial transactions that could not be adequately explained by her legitimate earnings while in public office. The Articles of Impeachment cite her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and financial transactions dating to her years in the Davao City government. These remain allegations that prosecutors must prove before the impeachment court.
The Senate impeachment court earlier authorized subpoenas for financial and tax records after finding the requested documents prima facie relevant and material to the unexplained wealth allegations. Prosecutors have since obtained copies of records involving Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio and businesses associated with them.
Prosecutors also served Duterte with 104 requests for admission seeking, among other matters, confirmation of the authenticity of subpoenaed bank documents and ownership of accounts identified in the records. The defense was given 15 days to respond.
Duterte’s lawyers had sought additional preparation time following the prosecution’s decision to cut short Article I. Defense counsel Michael Poa offered to deduct the requested period from the defense’s own presentation time to avoid extending the overall proceedings.
Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero instead said prosecutors could begin direct examination of Article II witnesses while allowing the defense to conduct cross-examination later when it is prepared. The prosecution was also directed to identify its initial witnesses ahead of the Sept. 14 hearing.