Photo credit: Congress PH

Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua is brushing off the planned legal action of Manases R. Carpio, calling it a “diversionary tactic” meant to shift attention away from the alleged billions in bank transactions linked to him and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said the issue remains clear: the reported ₱6.7 billion in “inflows” and “outflows” flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council has yet to be denied or fully explained.

In a radio interview, Chua said the move to file complaints against lawmakers and officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and AMLC appears aimed at changing the narrative rather than addressing the allegations.

He also pointed out that Carpio has not responded to earlier claims raised by Antonio Trillanes IV linking him to a separate controversy involving alleged smuggling activities.

For Chua, the focus should remain on the financial transactions. “Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nila tinatanggi ang ₱6.7 billion na dumaan sa kanilang bank account,” he stressed.

The Manila lawmaker also underscored that members of Congress and resource persons involved in hearings are protected by constitutional immunity, especially when performing their duties in committee or plenary sessions.

He maintained that no laws were violated during the hearings, clarifying that what was presented were not actual bank records but AMLC reports on “covered” and “suspicious” transactions—information that banks are required to submit.

According to Chua, these reports were obtained through a congressional subpoena, making the disclosure part of a lawful process, particularly within the context of impeachment proceedings.

Despite the legal threats, Chua said the committee will stay focused. “Tuluy-tuloy lang ang trabaho namin,” he said, making it clear the probe will move forward.