THE absence of lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio from Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s initial defense witness list has raised questions about who will explain the couple’s financial records and disputed assets, with House prosecutors maintaining that his testimony could be significant to resolving the remaining unexplained wealth allegations.
Lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro expressed interest in hearing directly from Duterte’s husband, particularly over the defense’s contention that certain properties and financial information belonging to Carpio should be treated separately from the Vice President’s assets.
“But as we can see, wala siya sa initial list ng witnesses, so what we can only do is to wait and see if on the later trial days ay isasalang ba nila ang asawa ng respondent vice president in the person of Attorney Mans Carpio, no?” Luistro explained.
Speaking during an interview with dzBB’s Bantay Balita sa Kongreso with Nimfa Ravelo and Isa Avendaño Umali Sunday, Luistro maintained that Carpio could provide firsthand explanations concerning the financial transactions, bank accounts and other assets examined by the prosecution as part of its case against Duterte.
“It will be significant also to hear the testimony of Attorney Mans Carpio kasi meron nga silang ganyan na claim na hindi pwede i-disclose that part that belongs to Attorney Mans Carpio,” Luistro stressed.
The Senate impeachment court previously allowed the examination of Carpio’s financial records after considering the legal implications of his marriage to Duterte, including the presumed application of the absolute community of property regime under the Family Code.
“At may sagot diyan ang prosecution: In the absence of prenuptial agreement, there is a presumption of absolute community property,” Luistro pointed out.
Under the Family Code, the absolute community of property regime generally applies to couples married without a valid agreement establishing a different property arrangement, although certain assets may remain excluded depending on their origin and the applicable legal exceptions.
“And it only means one thing: ang pag-aari ng wife ay pag-aari ng husband, in the same way na ang pag-aari ng husband ay pag-aari din ng wife,” Luistro explained.
The prosecution’s forensic accounting analysis identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and unexplained wealth involving Duterte and Carpio, with the computation drawing from financial records, insurance policies, investments and other properties associated with the couple.
The defense’s initial witness list includes lawyer Anel Martin Antero, who prosecutors understand may have assisted Carpio in preparing financial documents, although the nature of his anticipated testimony remains subject to clarification during the proceedings.
“Apparently, ang nilagay nila dito ay si Attorney Antero, who I believe is the lawyer of Attorney Mans preparing his financial documents, no?” Luistro disclosed.
The House prosecution is expected to examine whether testimony from Carpio’s legal representative can adequately address the financial records questioned during the trial, particularly where the disputed transactions involve matters within the couple’s personal knowledge.
“So for Attorney, for Attorney Antero, I think he will be explaining the financial documents, no?” Luistro pointed out, while the defense retains the discretion to determine whether Carpio will testify during subsequent hearing dates.
metrosundaily
