The Senate impeachment court denies the House prosecution panel’s request to admit Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank records as evidence. During Day 30 of the trial, the House prosecution and defense panels clash over whether the bank records can be admitted and how the dispute is framed for the court.
House prosecution member Chel Diokno says the prosecution filed a request for admission last week, aimed at identifying what evidence is truly disputed so the court does not spend time on matters that are not contested. The request, filed Sept. 8, covers Duterte’s personal circumstances and former public offices, her spouse Manases Carpio’s business interests, and related tax and bank records. The defense objects and seeks to expunge the request.
On Tuesday, the presiding officer rules against admitting the bank records. The court cites the Bill of Rights, particularly the right against self-incrimination, as the basis for the denial. Other reports also note that the exchange occurs as the impeachment court presses questions about Duterte’s business interests, government contracts, and undeclared assets, though the ruling addresses the specific request to admit the bank records.
