Politics · Philippines Bureau
AMLC official testifies on Duterte wealth allegations in impeachment trial
The prosecution in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial presented an Anti-Money Laundering Council executive as witness on the 33rd day of proceedings. The testimony focused on allegations of unexplained wealth under one of the articles of impeachment.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continued on Saturday with the prosecution calling Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura to testify on Article II, which alleges unexplained wealth.
The Senate impeachment court rejected a defense motion seeking to exclude Buenaventura's testimony, with Presiding Officer Francis Escudero ruling that the witness was permitted to proceed. The decision cleared the way for the prosecution to present evidence related to the unexplained wealth allegation, one of several charges being heard in the ongoing trial.
Buenaventura's appearance marked a significant moment in the proceedings, as the AMLC is the government agency tasked with investigating suspicious financial transactions and money laundering activities. His testimony was expected to provide documentation and analysis relevant to the wealth accumulation claims against the Vice President.
The impeachment trial, which began in early September, has drawn sustained public attention given Duterte's high office and the gravity of the charges. The proceedings are scheduled to continue in the coming weeks as both the prosecution and defense present their respective cases before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.