Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, on Friday said the submission of their tax records to the Senate impeachment court is merely a procedural step and does not constitute proof of wrongdoing.
In a document obtained by DZRH News, Carpio said the release of the records was made pursuant to an order of the Senate impeachment court and that the documents must still undergo examination and evaluation under the Constitution and the court’s rules.
“The submission of tax records is a procedural step ordered by the Senate Impeachment Court. It is not evidence of guilt,” Carpio said.
“Like any documentary evidence presented before a judicial or quasi-judicial body, these records must first be examined, tested, and evaluated in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of the Impeachment Court,” he added.
He stressed that allegations must be established through "competent, credible and admissible evidence," adding that the production of documents only allows the court to determine their relevance and evidentiary value.
“It does not establish liability, nor does it diminish the constitutional presumption of fairness that every respondent is entitled to. Respect for the rule of law requires allowing the Senate Impeachment Court to perform its constitutional mandate independently and without external influence,” he said.
Carpio also said they "recognize and respect the authority of the Senate impeachment court" and will continue to comply with lawful directives while exercising their constitutional rights.
He called for restraint in public discussions surrounding the release of the records, saying the submission of evidence should not be confused with proof of wrongdoing.
“Responsible public discourse requires restraint. The submission of evidence should never be confused with proof of wrongdoing,“ he added.
“The integrity of the impeachment process depends on allowing the Court to evaluate the evidence objectively and render its judgment solely on the basis of facts and law,” Carpio said.
He further stated that transparency and accountability must be balanced with due process and respect for constitutional rights.
“The strength of our democracy lies not in premature conclusions but in the faithful observance of the rule of law. Justice is achieved through evidence, impartiality, and constitutional due process—not through assumptions, speculation, or headlines,” he said.
Carpio expressed confidence that the Senate impeachment court would carry out its constitutional mandate with independence and fairness.
Malacañang on Thursday confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. authorized the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to open the tax records of Duterte and Carpio.
The Senate impeachment court on Thursday formally received the financial and tax records of Duterte and Carpio.
