HOUSE impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Ace Barbers has questioned whether Vice President Sara Z. Duterte properly declared in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) the 51 firearms, valued at an estimated P7.22 million, allegedly owned by her and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
Barbers said records presented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during Duterte’s impeachment trial allegedly showed that 22 firearms were registered under the vice president’s name and 29 under Carpio’s.
“Kung titingnan natin, base sa testimonya ng aming witness mula sa Philippine National Police, meron pong 51 pieces ng baril ang mag-asawang Duterte and Carpio,” Barbers said.
He said the PNP estimated the value of Duterte’s firearms at P2.18 million, while Carpio’s firearms were worth more than P5 million.
“Kung susumahin natin ito, ito ay aabot ng 7.22 million na halaga ng 51 pieces ng baril na hindi idineklara,” Barbers said.
He questioned whether the value of the firearms was included in the P21.13 million declared under “other personal properties” in Duterte’s 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
“So ang tanong ng taong-bayan, ’yun bang 7.22 million kasama ba ’yan sa others? O anong value, o anong halaga ng mga baril ang inyong idineklara diyan sa sinasabing others?” he asked.
Barbers said firearms are personal assets that must be properly reflected in government officials’ sworn asset declarations.
The PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office previously confirmed the number of firearms registered to Duterte and Carpio during testimony before the Senate impeachment court.
The prosecution is examining whether the value of these firearms was properly accounted for in Duterte’s SALNs as part of Article II, which covers allegations of unexplained wealth and inaccurate asset declarations.
The defense has yet to complete its presentation of evidence on the remaining impeachment charge, with proceedings scheduled to resume November 9.
metrosundaily
