HOUSE prosecutor Terry L. Ridon on Monday challenged Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to explain why more than P100 million in bank deposits, investments and insurance holdings allegedly did not appear in her 2023 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Ridon said the discrepancies remained unanswered as the defense prepared to present its evidence in the impeachment trial beginning Nov. 9.
“More than 100 million [pesos] in bank deposits, investments, and insurance had not been stated in the SALN of the Vice President,” he said at a press briefing.
The prosecution earlier presented records showing combined year-end bank balances of P71.38 million across accounts linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, in 2023.
Insurance and investment records also showed P35.9 million in holdings that year.
Together, the figures amount to approximately P107.28 million, although possible overlaps and ownership must be considered before treating the entire amount as undeclared wealth.
Ridon raised the figures when asked whether a possible prenuptial agreement could help Duterte challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
He said the prosecution had already presented financial records that required an explanation.
“Kasi again, going back to what we had seen during the presentation of evidence, for example, for 2023, hindi umaabot ng 18 million [pesos] po ‘yung SALN ng Pangalawang Pangulo,” he said.
The prosecution has also questioned why Duterte declared no cash on hand or in banks in her SALNs from 2022 to 2025 despite the balances reflected in bank records.
Ridon said the defense must explain the discrepancies, regardless of the arguments it eventually raises.
“So doon palang ho, I think kailangan ho nilang magpaliwanag, bakit hindi po naisama ito pong mga pera po na ito,” he said.
The defense is scheduled to begin presenting evidence on Article II, which concerns alleged unexplained wealth, on Nov. 9. (END)
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