AMLC confirmed bank data may bolster future cases vs. VP Sara, but filing still subject to due process

A Manila lawmaker said Thursday that recent disclosures involving 18 bank accounts confirmed through a random verification by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) may be sufficient to initiate future legal complaints, but stressed that any case would still have to pass through proper investigative and judicial processes.

Rep. Joel Chua of Manila’s 3rd District made the statement in an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” when asked directly whether the information disclosed could already serve as basis for filing a case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

When asked directly if, based on what was disclosed, a case could already be filed, Chua said legal action could be initiated but would still undergo evaluation by investigative bodies.

“Siguro puwedeng sampahan, pero dadaan pa rin sa proseso,” he said, adding that the Office of the Ombudsman would still need to determine probable cause before any formal case could proceed.

Chua was referring to allegations contained in an affidavit submitted by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, which cited multiple bank accounts allegedly linked to the vice president and members of the Duterte family.

During the impeachment hearing, AMLC was asked to randomly verify a portion of the accounts listed in the affidavit, resulting in the confirmation of 18 accounts for transactional activity.

“Yung 18 pong iyon ay kinumpirma po ng AMLC insofar as movement ng transaction,” Chua said, noting that the verification showed deposits and account movements on specific dates.

He also said the timing and progression of any legal complaint could be affected by ongoing impeachment proceedings, which remain separate from criminal or administrative cases.

Chua did not say the disclosures automatically establish liability, but said they could serve as groundwork for further investigation and potential filing of charges.

The AMLC-confirmed transactions and related allegations are now part of continuing congressional scrutiny into alleged unexplained wealth and financial dealings involving public officials.