HOUSE impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Ace Barbers on Tuesday questioned whether alleged advances of about P200 million involving lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio and Cale88 were properly reflected in the asset declarations of his wife, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Barbers said financial records presented during Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial showed advances involving Carpio and the incorporators or directors of Cale88.
“Lumabas din sa records na meron palang advances na pera mula kay Atty. Mans Carpio papunta sa mga incorporators o direktor ng Cale88,” Barbers said at a press briefing.
He described the advances as funds allegedly lent or provided by Carpio to the company, which could later be repaid.
“’Yung advances na iyan, ang ibig sabihin ay pinauna o pinautang, pinautang o pinahiram ni Atty. Mans Carpio ’yung halagang iyon, kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay umabot ito ng mga 200 million,” Barbers said.
He questioned whether the alleged advances were included in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
“So again, kung merong ganyang advances si Atty. Mans na sabihin natin estimated to about 200 million [pesos], ang tanong, hindi nila dineklara ito sa kanilang SALN?” he asked.
The prosecution has been examining business interests and financial transactions involving Duterte, Carpio and companies linked to them as part of Article II of the impeachment complaint.
Records presented during the trial also included financial transactions involving Cale88 and remittances from China and Hong Kong.
The defense has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of financial records and is expected to present its evidence beginning November 9.
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