The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it is prepared for whatever decision the Senate impeachment court makes on the prosecution’s request to subpoena the vice president’s bank, tax and Anti-Money Laundering Council records.
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said the defense hopes the impeachment court will deny the prosecution’s motion but will respect whatever ruling is issued.
According to Poa, the defense still has legal remedies available if the court’s decision is not in its favor.
When asked whether those options include seeking relief from the Supreme Court, Poa said it is too early to discuss that possibility because the impeachment court has not yet ruled on the request.
The prosecution has asked the Senate impeachment court to issue subpoenas covering Duterte’s bank records, tax records from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
Poa said the defense will wait for the court’s decision before determining its next legal steps.
The defense also said it is prepared to discuss Article 1 of the impeachment complaint during the upcoming hearings.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to act on the prosecution’s subpoena request, which seeks access to financial and tax-related records as part of the proceedings. The defense has maintained its opposition to the motion while emphasizing that it will abide by the court’s ruling.
Although the defense expressed hope that the request will be denied, Poa said the legal team remains ready to respond through the available legal processes if necessary. No final decision has yet been issued by the impeachment court regarding the prosecution’s motion.
