Carpio bank records complaint faces dismissal — QC prosecutor

THE Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City has recommended the dismissal of the complaint filed by Atty. Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, against several House members and government officials.

Carpio had filed the complaint over the disclosure of his and the Vice President’s bank transaction records, which he alleged was improper and unlawful. The resolution, spanning 23 pages, clears the respondents of the allegations, finding that their actions fell within the scope of their official duties and responsibilities.

In its ruling, the prosecutor’s office explained that the issuance of subpoenas for Anti‑Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports, statements made during impeachment proceedings, and compliance with the subpoenas were all acts performed by public officers in relation to their office.

“These acts were done by the respondents, public officers with Salary Grade 28 and higher, in relation to their office,” the resolution stated. It emphasized that “by no stretch of the imagination could we rule that these acts of the respondents were done in their private capacity,” and concluded that the actions were “not inherently immoral.”

The recommendation underscores the principle that lawmakers and officials acting within the bounds of their legislative or investigative authority are protected from liability for conduct related to their functions.

Because the subpoenas and disclosures were issued and made in the course of the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, the prosecutor found that they constituted legitimate exercise of official power rather than abuse or misconduct. The dismissal effectively upholds the respondents’ contention that they were performing their duties as public servants in the course of the impeachment inquiry.