Around 400 protesters gathered outside the Senate as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte moves to discussions on allegations of unexplained wealth.
In a report by Jecelle Ricafort, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña said the proceedings would bring to light alleged financial dealings and other information involving the Duterte family, with Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno expected to lead the discussion.
Akbayan President Rafaela David questioned the source of Duterte’s wealth, saying the vice president should provide documents showing that her assets were acquired legally and legitimately.
David said Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth should not be treated as an isolated issue, arguing that her wealth is allegedly far greater than what could be accounted for by her lawful income.
She also accused Duterte of failing to divest from her business interests while in office.
Citing what it described as official records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Akbayan said billions of pesos were allegedly deposited into accounts linked to Duterte and her husband from 2007 to 2024, with P6.7 billion flagged as covered or suspicious transactions.
Akbayan is expected to seek the examination and public disclosure of the documents cited in the allegations and demand an explanation from Duterte on the sources of her wealth.
The group said it hopes the impeachment proceedings will ultimately result in Duterte’s conviction based on evidence presented by the prosecution.
The allegations remain subject to examination and adjudication in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
