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Advocates Philippines
Duterte Wealth Up, Cash Down: Lawmakers Question SALN Disclosures
Congress PH File
Lawmakers are zeroing in on a striking pattern in the financial records of VP Sara Duterte—her wealth keeps growing, but her recent filings show no cash at all.
During the latest hearing of the House Committee on Justice, Manila Rep. Joel Chua walked through Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), covering her years in public office from vice mayor to her current post as vice president.
Records presented by the Office of the Ombudsman showed a steady rise in Duterte’s net worth—from ₱7.25 million in 2007 to ₱88.51 million in 2024. Earlier filings included millions in declared cash and bank deposits, which grew alongside her assets.
But that trend suddenly stops in 2019.
Ombudsman official Karen Batu confirmed that from 2019 to 2024, Duterte’s SALNs showed no declared cash on hand or bank deposits—even as her net worth jumped by nearly 60 percent during the same period.
The revelation drew a blunt reaction from Chua, who openly expressed disbelief after confirming the figures with the Ombudsman.
For members of the panel, the missing entries raise serious questions.Rep. Leila de Lima pointed out that the sudden and continuous absence of liquid assets—despite previously declared amounts—casts doubt on the accuracy and completeness of Duterte’s later filings.
The issue is a key part of the committee’s effort to determine probable cause in the impeachment case, particularly allegations of unexplained or ill-gotten wealth.
To verify the numbers, agencies including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Anti-Money Laundering Council joined the hearing, along with former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
With official records now laid out, lawmakers say the focus is clear—figuring out whether the numbers truly reflect reality, or if the missing cash tells a deeper story.
During the latest hearing of the House Committee on Justice, Manila Rep. Joel Chua walked through Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), covering her years in public office from vice mayor to her current post as vice president.
Records presented by the Office of the Ombudsman showed a steady rise in Duterte’s net worth—from ₱7.25 million in 2007 to ₱88.51 million in 2024. Earlier filings included millions in declared cash and bank deposits, which grew alongside her assets.
But that trend suddenly stops in 2019.
Ombudsman official Karen Batu confirmed that from 2019 to 2024, Duterte’s SALNs showed no declared cash on hand or bank deposits—even as her net worth jumped by nearly 60 percent during the same period.
The revelation drew a blunt reaction from Chua, who openly expressed disbelief after confirming the figures with the Ombudsman.
For members of the panel, the missing entries raise serious questions.Rep. Leila de Lima pointed out that the sudden and continuous absence of liquid assets—despite previously declared amounts—casts doubt on the accuracy and completeness of Duterte’s later filings.
The issue is a key part of the committee’s effort to determine probable cause in the impeachment case, particularly allegations of unexplained or ill-gotten wealth.
To verify the numbers, agencies including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Anti-Money Laundering Council joined the hearing, along with former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
With official records now laid out, lawmakers say the focus is clear—figuring out whether the numbers truly reflect reality, or if the missing cash tells a deeper story.
Apr 22, 2026
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