The House impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte focuses on testimony about what the prosecution describes as “lavish spending” by her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. Multiple reports say prosecutors questioned a defense witness about Carpio’s purchase of sneakers and similar shoes—priced around P256,000 to P256,882—made using a credit card during a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tied to a youth basketball tournament.
Inquirer and other coverage describe that the defense presents the purchases as support for young athletes and their guardians connected to Elite Philippines, a youth team where Carpio is described as a manager or “co-parent.” Witnesses and the defense emphasize that the players “deserve” the shoes. Senator-Judge Pia Cayetano is reported to have reacted to the line of questioning, while other Inquirer reporting notes that Cayetano expressed frustration and disdain during the proceedings.
Across outlets, the key issue is how the spending is characterized: the prosecution links it to constitutional expectations for modest living by public officials and their spouses, while the defense frames it as ordinary assistance for children competing in sports. Additional coverage also says Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla challenged prosecutors to investigate his own expenses, in the broader context of discussions about modesty.
