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Zamora Defends AMLC Data, Says 'P2B Vs P2M' Claim Must Be Proven At Trial
Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
The House Committee on Justice will rely on official records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in deciding on the impeachment case, as lawmakers move closer to a plenary vote.
Vice Chairperson Ysabel Maria Zamora on Tuesday pushed back against claims from the camp of Sara Duterte that one of the alleged ₱2 billion transactions was only ₱2 million, saying such arguments should be raised and proven during a Senate trial—not in public statements.
In a radio interview, Zamora emphasized that the committee based its findings strictly on official AMLC documents, which carry a legal presumption of regularity.
“Syempre sumusunod tayo sa ebidensya, sa mga official documents, and inilabas naman po ng AMLAC ang dokumento nila. So syempre ‘yun po ang ating pagbabasehan ng ating opinion on this matter,” she said.
The lawmaker noted that if there were errors or “glitches” in the AMLC report—such as the claim raised by Duterte’s husband, Manases Carpio—these should have been formally presented and substantiated.
“Ngayon, kung anuman ang sinasabi nila diyan, maybe it’s their duty to present it during trial kung ito po ay patungkol sa bank accounts ng ating bise presidente at ng kanyang asawa,” Zamora added, pointing out that no formal correction from banks appears in the AMLC records.
She also highlighted that during hearings, lawmakers cross-checked data, including records from Antonio Trillanes, with AMLC findings. According to Zamora, at least 19 transactions matched exactly in both date and amount.
“Wala naman po kaming nakita na binabawi ng mga bangko ‘yung mga records na ‘yan… she was able to confirm 19 transactions which appeared in the AMLAC report,” she said.
Zamora underscored that the committee has already fulfilled its mandate, having reviewed the evidence and approved its report for plenary consideration.
“Well for us, kung ano po ang naipresenta na ebidensya at the hearings of the Committee on Justice, ‘yan po ang aming source of information… and again, government records are presumed to be regular,” she said.
She also linked the AMLC findings to the issue of unexplained wealth, citing Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), which reportedly showed zero cash on hand and in bank in recent filings.
“I understand bank secrecy… pero ‘yun nga po, we will all relate this to the issue of unexplained wealth,” Zamora said.
On privacy concerns, she stressed that public officials are required by law to disclose financial information, including assets jointly held with spouses—even if they are private citizens.
“Hindi naman po pwedeng siguro o dapat kong sabihin na dahil private individual po si Atty. Mans Carpio ay hindi na pwedeng i-divulge ang kanyang accounts,” she explained.
Zamora also questioned why Duterte’s camp did not raise objections during the House hearings.
“Eh ‘di sana po nakapagtanong sila… kaya nga lang po, hindi sila nagpakita sa mga hearings ng Committee on Justice,” she said.
Dismissing claims that the impeachment process is politically motivated, she insisted the case is rooted in evidence and accountability.
“This is about accountability… So all of us have to make a stand in relation or because of the evidence presented,” Zamora said.
Members of the House now have about five days to review the articles of impeachment and supporting evidence before the scheduled plenary vote on May 11.
Vice Chairperson Ysabel Maria Zamora on Tuesday pushed back against claims from the camp of Sara Duterte that one of the alleged ₱2 billion transactions was only ₱2 million, saying such arguments should be raised and proven during a Senate trial—not in public statements.
In a radio interview, Zamora emphasized that the committee based its findings strictly on official AMLC documents, which carry a legal presumption of regularity.
“Syempre sumusunod tayo sa ebidensya, sa mga official documents, and inilabas naman po ng AMLAC ang dokumento nila. So syempre ‘yun po ang ating pagbabasehan ng ating opinion on this matter,” she said.
The lawmaker noted that if there were errors or “glitches” in the AMLC report—such as the claim raised by Duterte’s husband, Manases Carpio—these should have been formally presented and substantiated.
“Ngayon, kung anuman ang sinasabi nila diyan, maybe it’s their duty to present it during trial kung ito po ay patungkol sa bank accounts ng ating bise presidente at ng kanyang asawa,” Zamora added, pointing out that no formal correction from banks appears in the AMLC records.
She also highlighted that during hearings, lawmakers cross-checked data, including records from Antonio Trillanes, with AMLC findings. According to Zamora, at least 19 transactions matched exactly in both date and amount.
“Wala naman po kaming nakita na binabawi ng mga bangko ‘yung mga records na ‘yan… she was able to confirm 19 transactions which appeared in the AMLAC report,” she said.
Zamora underscored that the committee has already fulfilled its mandate, having reviewed the evidence and approved its report for plenary consideration.
“Well for us, kung ano po ang naipresenta na ebidensya at the hearings of the Committee on Justice, ‘yan po ang aming source of information… and again, government records are presumed to be regular,” she said.
She also linked the AMLC findings to the issue of unexplained wealth, citing Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), which reportedly showed zero cash on hand and in bank in recent filings.
“I understand bank secrecy… pero ‘yun nga po, we will all relate this to the issue of unexplained wealth,” Zamora said.
On privacy concerns, she stressed that public officials are required by law to disclose financial information, including assets jointly held with spouses—even if they are private citizens.
“Hindi naman po pwedeng siguro o dapat kong sabihin na dahil private individual po si Atty. Mans Carpio ay hindi na pwedeng i-divulge ang kanyang accounts,” she explained.
Zamora also questioned why Duterte’s camp did not raise objections during the House hearings.
“Eh ‘di sana po nakapagtanong sila… kaya nga lang po, hindi sila nagpakita sa mga hearings ng Committee on Justice,” she said.
Dismissing claims that the impeachment process is politically motivated, she insisted the case is rooted in evidence and accountability.
“This is about accountability… So all of us have to make a stand in relation or because of the evidence presented,” Zamora said.
Members of the House now have about five days to review the articles of impeachment and supporting evidence before the scheduled plenary vote on May 11.
May 6, 2026
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