MANILA – The House Committee on Justice may already have enough basis to determine probable cause in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to legal expert Lorna Kapunan.
Kapunan pointed to inconsistencies in Duterte’s financial disclosures and a series of flagged bank transactions as significant elements supporting the case.
She clarified that the standard for impeachment at this stage only requires establishing that a possible violation occurred and that the respondent could be responsible, not proving guilt conclusively.
Kapunan urged the public to focus on documented evidence rather than external commentary, noting that official data should guide public understanding of the issue.
She highlighted records from the Ombudsman, AMLC, and SEC as key sources of information, emphasizing that these are formal documents that carry legal weight.
“These records speak for themselves and deserve careful attention,” she said.
At a recent hearing, lawmakers revealed a substantial rise in Duterte’s declared wealth over the years, alongside concerns about undisclosed assets in her SALNs between 2019 and 2024.
The AMLC also reported hundreds of transactions totaling PHP6.7 billion involving Duterte and her spouse, Manases Carpio, which were tagged as suspicious or covered transactions over nearly two decades.
Additionally, the agency verified several financial entries previously presented by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, including a controversial PHP22 million transaction allegedly linked to Samuel Uy.
Kapunan said the Vice President had been given sufficient opportunity to address the accusations but has chosen not to fully engage in the proceedings.
She also dismissed claims questioning the panel’s authority, noting that the Constitution clearly empowers the House to initiate impeachment cases.
The committee’s final hearing is set for April 29, with the National Bureau of Investigation expected to present findings on alleged threats involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
A vote on whether probable cause exists will follow the presentation.
ia/xf
