MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday alleged that more than P319 million from Chinese government-linked entities and corporations operating in China flowed into CALE88, a company owned by Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
Trillanes also alleged that another P150 million went into Tapang at Malasakit, an organization associated with Duterte.
“These are corporations based and operating in China. Over P319 million came in going into CALE88, a company owned by Mans Carpio, who is the husband of Sara Duterte,” Trillanes said during a press conference.
He argued that the alleged transactions should be scrutinized because properties acquired during marriage may have implications on the vice president’s required financial disclosures.
Trillanes further questioned the disparity between the alleged amount deposited and the value of goods reportedly purchased, citing banana chips as an example.
“Even if we say, fine, they bought P200 million worth of banana chips, but P300 million was deposited. That’s where you’ll see it,” he said.
Trillanes alleged that the transactions represented Chinese support for the Duterte-Carpio couple and raised national security concerns over the acceptance of funds from a foreign government.
“This is China’s way of supporting the Duterte couple. This is clear,” he said. “That’s why we should be appalled by this, because she is the vice president. There are national security implications.”
The Manila Times is seeking reactions fromDuterte’s spokesman, lawyer Paolo Panelo, and the Chinese Embassy, on the allegations.
