Sara Duterte impeachment trial focuses on unexplained wealth

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has entered its 33rd day. The House prosecution is currently presenting evidence regarding Article II of the impeachment, which accuses Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth and failing to fully disclose the assets, liabilities, and net worth of herself and her husband, Manases Carpio.

Key testimony includes Ronel Buenaventura, Executive Director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat, who is expected to present financial records and transactions involving the Vice President and her business interests. The prosecution also intends to call representatives from several major financial institutions, including BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., to testify.

The impeachment proceedings follow four complaints filed against the Vice President, two of which were deemed substantial. Allegations include the culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, specifically concerning the alleged conversion of over PHP 500 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President between 2022 and 2023.