MANILA — The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte have entered a critical phase, with lawmakers focusing on her financial disclosures and alleged inconsistencies in her declared assets.
During recent hearings, the House of Representatives’ justice committee scrutinized Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), particularly noting the absence of declared cash holdings and bank deposits over several consecutive years. Legislators described the pattern as irregular, raising concerns about the completeness and accuracy of her disclosures.
Records presented before the panel showed that Duterte’s net worth rose from approximately ₱55.6 million in 2019 to ₱88.5 million in 2024, despite the reported absence of liquid assets during the same period. Lawmakers said the discrepancy warranted further clarification as part of the impeachment inquiry.
The inquiry also examined financial intelligence reports that flagged substantial bank transactions allegedly linked to the vice president and her spouse. These transactions, according to documents cited during the hearings, appeared inconsistent with the figures reflected in her SALNs, prompting calls for a more detailed review.
The House panel has sought the assistance of the Anti-Money Laundering Council to help assess the financial records and determine whether there is sufficient basis to support the allegations cited in the impeachment complaints.
Duterte, through her legal representatives, has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that her assets were lawfully acquired. Her camp has also questioned the validity of the accusations, asserting that there is no constitutional basis for impeachment.
The complaints filed against Duterte include allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of public funds, and betrayal of public trust. These were earlier deemed sufficient in substance, allowing the House to proceed with formal hearings.
The proceedings come amid heightened political tensions following the breakdown of Duterte’s alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with whom she ran on a joint ticket in the 2022 national elections.
The outcome of the impeachment case is expected to have significant implications for the country’s political landscape, particularly as Duterte remains a prominent figure in national politics and a potential contender in future presidential elections.
