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House Prosecutors Push To Open Sealed BIR Records Linked To VP Duterte In Impeachment Proceedings
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House prosecution panel is seeking to open a sealed box containing Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) records linked to Vice President Sara Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases "Mans" Carpio, and their associated firms, arguing that the documents could play a crucial role in the impeachment case.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the prosecution will formally request that the sealed BIR box be brought to the Senate's pre-trial room on Thursday and opened before the impeachment court.
According to Ridon, the records are relevant to the impeachment complaint's article concerning alleged unexplained wealth and could help shed light on the financial declarations being examined by prosecutors.
The BIR documents were previously submitted during House Committee on Justice deliberations on the impeachment complaints against Duterte. However, lawmakers at the time voted to keep the records sealed and include the unopened box as part of the official case records.
Now that the proceedings have moved to the Senate impeachment court, prosecutors argue that the contents should be reviewed as part of the evidence-gathering process ahead of the trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
Ridon acknowledged that Duterte's defense team is expected to oppose the move, citing objections already raised during pre-trial discussions. Nevertheless, he maintained that examining the records is necessary to determine whether the Vice President's declared assets, liabilities, net worth, and income are consistent with available tax-related information.
The prosecution panel said it is prepared to elevate the matter to the impeachment court for resolution if the defense formally objects, emphasizing that any dispute over the records should be settled promptly to avoid delays in the upcoming trial.
House prosecution legal spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said the request aligns with the objectives of the pre-trial process, which include identifying evidence, marking exhibits, and narrowing down issues before formal hearings begin.
With the impeachment trial fast approaching, both the prosecution and defense continue to prepare for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched political proceedings in the country this year.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the prosecution will formally request that the sealed BIR box be brought to the Senate's pre-trial room on Thursday and opened before the impeachment court.
According to Ridon, the records are relevant to the impeachment complaint's article concerning alleged unexplained wealth and could help shed light on the financial declarations being examined by prosecutors.
The BIR documents were previously submitted during House Committee on Justice deliberations on the impeachment complaints against Duterte. However, lawmakers at the time voted to keep the records sealed and include the unopened box as part of the official case records.
Now that the proceedings have moved to the Senate impeachment court, prosecutors argue that the contents should be reviewed as part of the evidence-gathering process ahead of the trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
Ridon acknowledged that Duterte's defense team is expected to oppose the move, citing objections already raised during pre-trial discussions. Nevertheless, he maintained that examining the records is necessary to determine whether the Vice President's declared assets, liabilities, net worth, and income are consistent with available tax-related information.
The prosecution panel said it is prepared to elevate the matter to the impeachment court for resolution if the defense formally objects, emphasizing that any dispute over the records should be settled promptly to avoid delays in the upcoming trial.
House prosecution legal spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said the request aligns with the objectives of the pre-trial process, which include identifying evidence, marking exhibits, and narrowing down issues before formal hearings begin.
With the impeachment trial fast approaching, both the prosecution and defense continue to prepare for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched political proceedings in the country this year.
Jun 25, 2026
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