Philippine Senate seeks V-P Sara Duterte’s bank, tax records in trial

The Philippine Senate impeachment court will subpoena the bank and tax records of Vice-President Sara Duterte as her opponents seek to oust the nation’s second-highest official on allegations that include corruption and unexplained wealth.



“The court finds that the requested documents meet the requirements set forth,” Senator Francis Escudero, who is presiding over Duterte’s impeachment trial, said in a televised ruling.



“They are reasonably described, readily identifiable, prima facie relevant and material to the allegations.”



Prosecutors have asked the court to order the release of Duterte’s bank, tax and Anti-Money Laundering Council records as they try to convince senator-judges that she has enriched herself while in public office and has failed to truthfully disclose her assets.



During the July 20 hearing, Representative Chel Diokno, one of the prosecutors, questioned Duterte’s fitness to hold public office.