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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara Duterte camp opposes subpoena for bank, tax, AMLC records in impeachment trial

VP Sara Duterte camp opposes subpoena for bank, tax, AMLC records in impeachment trial

Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa says the prosecution is conducting a "fishing expedition" by seeking financial records dating back to 2007

Published Jul 15, 2026 04:02 pm

At A Glance

  • The Duterte defense opposed the prosecution's request to subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte's bank, tax, and AMLC records, citing due process concerns.
  • Defense spokesperson Michael Poa described the request as a "fishing expedition," arguing that prosecutors sought evidence only after filing the impeachment complaint.
  • The Senate impeachment court is expected to rule on the prosecution's motion after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.
Defense lawyer Michael Wesley Poa, on July 15, 2026, argues before the Senate impeachment court that the prosecution's request for Vice President Sara Duterte's bank, tax, and AMLC records violates due process and constitutes a "fishing expedition." (Screengrab: Senate of the Philippines / YouTube)
Defense lawyer Michael Wesley Poa, on July 15, 2026, argues before the Senate impeachment court that the prosecution's request for Vice President Sara Duterte's bank, tax, and AMLC records violates due process and constitutes a "fishing expedition." (Screengrab: Senate of the Philippines / YouTube)
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team on Wednesday, July 15, urged the Senate impeachment court to reject the prosecution's request to subpoena her bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records, arguing that the move violates due process and amounts to a "fishing expedition."
During oral arguments before the impeachment court, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Wesley Poa questioned the legal basis of the House prosecution panel's request for Duterte's financial records, including those of her husband, lawyer Manases "Mans" Carpio.
"The real issue before the impeachment court today is not whether you possess the power to issue a subpoena," Poa told the senator-judges.
"The real issue is whether such power may be exercised in a manner that disregards due process and compels the production of documents and information beyond what is allowed by law," he added.
The House prosecution panel earlier sought subpoenas for Duterte's bank, tax, and AMLC records as part of its evidence under Article II of the impeachment complaint, which alleges unexplained wealth.
'Fishing expedition'
Poa argued that the prosecution filed the impeachment complaint before obtaining evidence to support its allegations.
"It is not permitted to accuse now and then just look for proof later. That is not how due process works," he said.
According to the defense, neither the Saballa nor the Cabrera impeachment complaint filed before the House of Representatives included documentary evidence to support the allegation that Duterte had amassed unexplained wealth.
Poa said prosecutors only began seeking financial records after the complaints had been filed and after Duterte had already submitted her answer before the House Committee on Justice.
"With all due respect, that is the very definition of a fishing expedition," he said.
Records dating back to 2007
The defense also argued that the prosecution's request is "fatally overbroad" because it seeks records spanning nearly two decades.
Poa noted that the subpoena request covers documents dating back to 2007, when Duterte was serving as vice mayor of Davao City.
"In 2007, respondent Vice President Sara Duterte was definitely not occupying an impeachable office," he said. "How is that relevant? It is the position of the defense that it is not," he stressed.
Poa cited the Supreme Court ruling in Duterte v. House of Representatives, arguing that impeachable offenses must involve acts committed while the official occupies an impeachable office.
Confidentiality laws
The defense likewise maintained that several laws prohibit the disclosure of the requested documents.
Poa cited the Anti-Money Laundering Act, saying covered transaction reports, suspicious transaction reports, and financial intelligence reports are confidential, and that impeachment is not among the law's stated exceptions.
He also pointed to provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code that penalize the unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information.
Regarding the request for bank records, Poa acknowledged that impeachment proceedings are recognized as an exception under the Bank Secrecy Law but argued that the exception does not automatically override constitutional protections.
"This exception does not dispense with constitutional safeguards. It does not abolish the right to due process," he said.
The defense also objected to the request for the bank records of Duterte's husband, arguing that Carpio is not an impeachable official and therefore should not be covered by the exception.
"We do not disagree with the prosecution in terms of accountability," Poa said. "Again, no one is above the law, but no one should also be deprived of the protection given by law," he added.
No witnesses were presented during Wednesday's proceedings as both parties focused on arguing their respective positions on the prosecution's motions seeking Duterte's financial records.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to rule on the prosecution's request after hearing the arguments of both sides. 

Related Tags

VPSaraOnTrial Sara Duterte impeachment trial Sara Duterte bank records Michael Poa Senate impeachment court AMLC records
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