THE House prosecution may finally begin presenting the subpoenaed bank records of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte as early as Thursday or Friday as the Senate impeachment court shifts to full-day hearings on her alleged unexplained wealth.
House trial spokesperson Ace Barbers disclosed the timetable Tuesday in an interview on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa True FM as prosecutors prepare to move deeper into the financial evidence under Article II.
“So maganda itong linggong ito dahil baka maipresinte na natin ang bank records ngayong Thursday or Friday,” Barbers revealed.
The bank records are among the most anticipated evidence under Article II because prosecutors intend to compare Duterte’s declared wealth and lawful sources of income with financial transactions reflected in records obtained from banks and other institutions.
The Senate impeachment court earlier authorized subpoenas for peso-denominated bank records involving Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio and several entities after finding the requested documents prima facie relevant and material to Article II.
More than 1,800 bank, insurance and other financial documents have since been subjected to marking and processing ahead of their presentation in court.
The prosecution on Monday also offered to enter into stipulations with the defense on subpoenaed bank records in an effort to dispense with as many as 20 bank representatives who would otherwise have to testify to authenticate the documents.
The defense resisted the proposed stipulations, invoking Duterte’s constitutional right against self-incrimination and raising objections to being required to make admissions concerning the records.
Barbers noted that the impeachment court has allotted longer hearing hours later this week to accelerate the presentation of evidence.
“Yes, oo fullday, from 10 am ang Thursday, hanggang 1 to Sawa. Ganon din sa Friday,” Barbers noted.
Article II accuses Duterte of accumulating wealth allegedly disproportionate to her legitimate income, failing to fully and truthfully disclose assets and liabilities in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and failing to divest her business interests after assuming the vice presidency.
The presentation of the bank records would bring the prosecution to the financial evidence it has long described as a major component in determining whether Duterte’s declared wealth can be reconciled with her actual financial transactions.
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