The House of Representatives may examine the bank records of Vice President Sara Duterte as part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings, House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said on Friday.
The move comes after a fourth impeachment complaint was filed against Duterte earlier this week, accusing her of alleged betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and possible omissions in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs). Ortega described the allegations as “serious and disturbing,” noting claims that certain bank accounts, properties, and significant cash movements were not fully reflected in Duterte’s SALNs.
Under the complaint, lawyers have called for a forensic review of bank records, property transfers, and related financial documents covering Duterte’s finances to determine whether her declared net worth accurately reflects her true financial position. They also want to see records of deposits, withdrawals, and transfers from accounts held by Duterte, her immediate family, known associates, and corporate entities connected to her for the period from 2019 to 2025.
Ortega said the House has constitutional investigatory powers in impeachment proceedings and pointed to jurisprudence that can set aside bank secrecy rules when public interest demands it. "If public officials are required to disclose all assets and live modestly, then any material omission is a serious constitutional concern that the House cannot ignore,” he added.
The impeachment complaint, filed by lawyer Nathaniel G. Cabrera and endorsed by Ortega and House Committee on Human Rights Chairman Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., was formally received by the House Secretary General and forwarded to Speaker Faustino G. Dy III. It joins previous complaints that similarly cite unexplained wealth and alleged SALN omissions as central issues.
House leaders say the inquiry will focus on whether the allegations—particularly concerning undisclosed assets and unexplained wealth—meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment under the 1987 Constitution.
