MANILA, Philippines — The spotlight is turning toward lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio as House prosecutors seek clearer explanations about financial records and disputed assets linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband.
Lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro has expressed interest in hearing Carpio testify before the impeachment court, particularly on financial transactions and properties that the defense maintains should be treated separately from the Vice President’s assets.
In an interview with DZBB’s Bantay Balita sa Kongreso, Luistro noted that Carpio was not included in the defense’s initial list of witnesses. However, she said prosecutors would wait to see whether the defense would eventually call him to testify during the proceedings.
For the prosecution, Carpio’s testimony could be significant because he may directly explain financial records, bank accounts and other assets that have become part of the impeachment proceedings.
Property ownership becomes a key issue
A major point of contention involves the legal treatment of assets owned by the married couple.
Luistro cited the Family Code’s provisions on the absolute community of property regime, which generally applies to marriages without a valid prenuptial agreement, subject to specific legal exceptions.
The prosecution argues that this legal framework is relevant in determining which assets should be considered when examining the couple’s financial circumstances.
The Senate impeachment court had previously allowed the examination of Carpio’s financial records, bringing the issue of marital property arrangements into the proceedings.
P817.87 million questioned by prosecutors
The prosecution’s forensic accounting analysis identified approximately P817.87 million in allegedly undeclared assets and unexplained wealth associated with Duterte and Carpio.
The computation reportedly involved financial records, insurance policies, investments and other properties connected to the couple.
The defense’s initial witness list includes lawyer Anel Martin Antero, whom prosecutors believe may have assisted Carpio in preparing financial documents. However, the specific scope of his anticipated testimony remains to be established during the trial.
As the impeachment proceedings move forward, whether Carpio will personally take the witness stand remains an important question.
His possible testimony could provide further explanations on the disputed financial records and the ownership of assets now under scrutiny.
Pinas Now will continue monitoring developments in the impeachment proceedings.
