Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team currently has no plans to elevate to the Supreme Court the issue involving the opening of her tax records in connection with the unexplained wealth allegations in her impeachment trial.
During a post-trial press conference after Day 24 of the proceedings, defense spokesperson and counsel Atty. Michael Poa said the matter has not been discussed by the defense team.
Asked about a possible remedy before the Supreme Court concerning the opening of Duterte’s tax records, Poa said, “Hindi namin napag-usapan. Wala kaming plano umakyat ngayon sa Supreme Court on that matter.”
Poa, however, said the defense is not completely ruling out the possibility of seeking relief from the high court in the future.
“But of course, we're not foreclosing it,” he said.
Poa emphasized that, as of now, the defense team has not discussed pursuing a Supreme Court action over the matter.
“But sa ngayon, to be very candid with everyone, wala kaming napag-uusapan sa defense team sa pag-akyat sa Supreme Court hinggil sa ganyan,” Poa added.
The issue is tied to Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which includes allegations involving unexplained wealth, false Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, and continued business interests.
The defense’s statement comes as the Senate Impeachment Court continues its proceedings on the second article of the impeachment complaint against Duterte.
