Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has authorized the release of Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential tax records to the Senate for her impeachment trial. Duterte faces charges including unexplained wealth, and her office has denied wrongdoing, calling the proceedings politically motivated.
The release of Vice President Duterte's tax records is a critical development in her impeachment trial, potentially providing key evidence for allegations of unexplained wealth and corruption, which could impact her political future and the stability of the current administration.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has authorized the release of Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential tax records to the Senate, which is presiding over her impeachment trial. The Senate is seeking these records as part of the investigation into allegations that Duterte has amassed unexplained wealth while in office, alongside charges of misuse of public funds, bribery, corruption, and threats.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the records can be accessed by the parties involved as evidence. This approval comes after the Senate had issued a subpoena for Duterte's tax records but paused their disclosure to ensure compliance with taxpayer confidentiality laws. The Senate has also requested financial records from banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council related to Duterte and her husband.
Duterte has previously denied any wrongdoing and has characterized the impeachment proceedings as politically motivated. Her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The impeachment trial is scheduled to resume on August 3. A conviction, which requires at least 16 of the Senate's 24 members to vote in favor, could significantly impact Duterte's potential presidential bid in 2028.
Marcos and Duterte, both from prominent political families, won the 2022 election together but their political alliance has since deteriorated.