The House prosecution panel described the Senate Impeachment Court’s decision to issue subpoenas for the tax and bank records of Vice President Sara Duterte as a significant development in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
During a press briefing at the Senate, House prosecutor Leila de Lima said the court’s ruling marks what she considers a major victory in efforts to determine the truth regarding allegations of unexplained wealth against the Vice President.
De Lima said the next step now rests with Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Mendoza, who is expected to respond to the subpoena issued by the impeachment court.
According to the prosecutor, the BIR commissioner cannot simply invoke the confidentiality provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code without considering the authority of the impeachment court.
She added that instead of risking possible contempt proceedings, Mendoza could seek the consent or authorization of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the release of the requested records.
De Lima also said she does not expect the President to withhold such consent if it becomes necessary for compliance with the subpoena.
The House prosecutor further said the prosecution panel anticipates that Duterte’s defense team may again seek relief from the Supreme Court in an effort to prevent the production of the requested documents.
The Senate Impeachment Court’s issuance of the subpoenas is part of the ongoing proceedings involving the impeachment case against the Vice President.
As of now, no ruling has been issued on the merits of the allegations, and the impeachment trial remains ongoing. Both the prosecution and the defense are expected to continue presenting their respective legal arguments and evidence as the proceedings move forward under the rules set by the Senate Impeachment Court.
