The Philippines' National Security Council is investigating allegations that a company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte's husband received suspicious remittances from China and Hong Kong. The council is reviewing information presented during an impeachment trial to assess potential national security implications.
The investigation into alleged China-linked remittances to a company associated with the Philippine Vice President's family raises concerns about potential national security risks and illicit financial flows, potentially impacting foreign relations and domestic political stability.
The Philippines' National Security Council is investigating allegations that a company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte's husband received suspicious remittances from China and Hong Kong. National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban stated that the council would review the information presented during the impeachment trial of Duterte to assess any potential national security implications, emphasizing that the allegations are being taken seriously.
An official from the Anti-Money Laundering Council testified during Monday's trial that a food manufacturing company, in which Duterte's husband is listed as an incorporator, received 319 million pesos ($5.08 million) in remittances from entities in China and Hong Kong. Prosecutors presented these remittances as evidence in an impeachment article accusing Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth, seeking to scrutinize her and her husband's financial dealings.
The nature of the remittances remains unclear. When asked about the testimony, Duterte declined to comment, stating that her lawyers would respond to the allegations. Duterte is also facing separate accusations of misusing public funds and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and a former House speaker, all of which she has denied.
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