Several senator-judges questioned Monday the relevance of testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte’s firearms ownership to the Senate impeachment trial’s examination of allegations of unexplained wealth.
During Day 30 of the trial, Police Major Jerickson Sangalang testified that Duterte owns 22 firearms, including a Class A light firearm capable of burst fire. Her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, reportedly owns 29 firearms, including one Class A light firearm and one expired firearm.
During the trial interjections, Senator-Judge Erwin Tulfo questioned whether the number of firearms was relevant to determining Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth.
“If you say there are many firearms, many Filipinos also have many firearms. I don’t see the relevance here,” Tulfo said.
Senator-Judge Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said firearms are generally included under personal property in a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
“I have been reviewing my SALN also and I do not see anything there that says ‘guns.’ I put it in the personal properties,” Sotto said.
Senator-Judge Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri likewise said many senators own firearms and usually declare them under personal effects or personal properties.
“I don’t see any violation that I feel would happen if the Vice President had done that,” Zubiri said.
Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano also questioned whether the firearms testimony was significant enough to warrant the trial court’s time, particularly as both the prosecution and defense have said they want to proceed efficiently while ensuring a fair trial.
“Basically the question is if the honorable Major will testify on anything major,” Cayetano said, adding that the court should determine whether the firearms are a “major” or “minor” issue.
Cayetano said he had reservations about the testimony if the prosecution and defense could agree to disregard it.
The firearms testimony came as the impeachment court continued examining Article II, which concerns allegations that Duterte accumulated unexplained wealth and failed to properly disclose assets in her SALNs.
The House prosecution has alleged discrepancies involving Duterte’s declared wealth and financial records, while the defense has disputed the allegations.
The trial is continuing before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.
