MANILA, Philippines —The Senate Impeachment Court on Monday will begin tackling Article II of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, focusing on alleged unexplained wealth.
The prosecution panel at the House of Representatives has lined up retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, Office of the Ombudsman Records Division Officer-in-Charge lawyer Karen Batu, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Company Registration and Monitoring Department Director lawyer Gerardo del Rosario as its first three witnesses.
Cabotaje-Tang is expected to testify on principles governing public accountability and integrity in public office, including mechanisms for addressing undisclosed or unexplained wealth and prohibited business interests.
Batu will testify on Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, while Del Rosario is expected to identify and authenticate SEC records involving companies and business interests linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.
Article II accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust for allegedly amassing wealth manifestly disproportionate to her lawful income and earnings while serving as a public official.
