Manases Carpio
ON Day 43 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, lawmakers examined records showing over ₱200,000 was spent on a single meal in Japan and purchases of luxury footwear — expenses allegedly paid for by her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.
The revelations formed part of the prosecution’s presentation of financial transactions they say raise questions about the couple’s lifestyle relative to their declared income. Prosecutors emphasized that such substantial expenditures should have appeared in their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) if drawn from personal funds.
The details emerged as the House panel sought to establish a pattern of spending that does not align with what the couple has publicly disclosed.
They argued that unexplained expenses — whether on overseas dining, high‑end apparel, or other luxuries — are relevant to the charge of unexplained wealth against the Vice President. Prosecutors also noted that Carpio’s own financial records and sources of income have yet to be fully clarified, even as he has been linked to significant business dealings and payments that may require further scrutiny.
The defense was given the opportunity to respond to the claims during Thursday’s session, but has previously maintained that such personal expenses fall outside the scope of the impeachment charges and that the Vice President’s SALN entries are accurate. Senator‑judges pressed both sides on the distinction between legitimate family expenses and funds that should have been declared. The trial continues next week, with the prosecution expected to present additional evidence linking these expenses to the GenCorp payments and other undeclared financial transactions.
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