SENATE Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero denied a motion by Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team to block Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura from testifying, ruling that AMLC records are not immune from compulsory legal processes in impeachment trials.
During Monday’s proceedings on October 5, Escudero clarified that while Section 8-A of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act) imposes strict confidentiality rules, it does not exempt financial records from lawful court subpoenas.
Escudero specifically cited Section 2 of Republic Act No. 1405 (Bank Secrecy Law), which explicitly permits the examination of bank deposits in cases of impeachment.
He noted that confidentiality protections cannot prevent anti-money laundering authorities from carrying out their duties or fulfilling judicial summonses.
Escudero added that “This ruling does not authorize unrestricted public disclosure,” noting that testimony will be strictly confined to relevant matters and may be received in camera (behind closed doors) if necessary to protect sensitive financial data.
The defense team, led by attorney Mark Vinluan, argued against allowing Buenaventura to take the witness stand, urging the court to prevent the improper or malicious disclosure of financial records.
Vinluan maintained that while the Vice President “has nothing to hide,” all financial disclosures must undergo strict legal verification required by law.
The prosecution summoned Buenaventura as a key witness under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which accuses Vice President Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth and failing to accurately disclose her assets and liabilities.
House prosecutors anticipate presenting AMLC transaction records involving the Vice President and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, covering various bank accounts and corporate entities.
Moreover, the Prosecution pointed out that 40-dollar accounts belong to Vice President Sara Duterte and Atty. Mans Carpio. The Defense objects, saying that the Prosecution should not supply testimonies.
The Prosecution presented the following transactions made by the couple:
– Two time deposit transactions (debit of P1.945-M, Dec. 26, 2018; credit of P1.981-M, Dec. 26, 2018) from PhilSavings-Wilson.
– Time deposit debit of P1.981-M, credit of P1.981M on Dec. 26, 2019.
– Time deposit debit of P2.005-M, and credit of the same amount on Dec. 28, 2020;
The Prosecution shows that the money was allegedly not declared in the SALN in 2019.
The Vice President has yet to state the matter.
