House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno asserted that the Senate impeachment court has the constitutional authority to examine Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank records, tax records, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports in connection with the allegations of unexplained wealth.
During the sixth day of the impeachment trial on Wednesday, Diokno argued that no law or administrative rule can restrict the court’s power to determine what evidence may be admitted in the proceedings.
“This power comes directly from the Constitution, no one, no person, no law, no administrative rule can limit or supersede it,” Diokno said.
He said the records are essential to uncovering the truth behind Article 2 of the impeachment complaint, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth.
“Ang hiling ng prosekusyon ay mailabas ang buong katotohanan,” Diokno said, stressing that only the impeachment court has the authority to decide whether the country’s highest officials remain fit to serve.
“Tanging ang hukumang ito, lamang ang may kapangyarihang magpasya kung ang mga pinakamataas na pinuno ng ating bansa ay karapat-dapat pa rin manungkulan,” he added.
