MANILA — The Philippine Senate issued orders Monday requiring banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to turn over financial records tied to Vice President Sara Duterte, her husband, and a number of related entities — a significant step forward for prosecutors building their case against her.
The Senate, which is functioning as an impeachment court in the proceedings, placed limits on how the documents can be used. Senators specified that the records are intended solely to establish a baseline for evaluating Duterte’s assets, financial transactions, and business interests during her current term in office — not to introduce any new charges against her.
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on May 11, citing allegations of unexplained income, bribery, and corruption. She also faces accusations of making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and a former House speaker.
Duterte and Marcos, both heirs to two of the Philippines’ most influential political dynasties, ran together on a joint ticket and won by a wide margin in 2022. However, their political partnership eventually fell apart, with Duterte publicly criticizing Marcos for what she called poor leadership and incompetence.
Senator Francis Escudero, who is presiding over the impeachment trial, explained the court’s decision in a statement: “After examining the records sought, the Court finds that the requested documents meet the requirements set forth.”
The court also approved a subpoena covering tax records, though it stopped short of ordering their immediate release. The ruling noted that any disclosure of those documents must first satisfy tax confidentiality regulations.
Duterte’s political future hangs in the balance. A conviction would require at least 16 of the Senate’s 24 members to vote against her — and if that threshold is met, it could effectively end her reported plans to seek the presidency in 2028. Duterte has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, calling the entire process politically driven.
