Politics · Philippines Bureau
Court permits foreign currency evidence in VP Duterte impeachment trial
The presiding officer of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has overruled an objection to the presentation of foreign currency accounts as evidence. The decision came on the 33rd day of proceedings, clearing the way for anti-money laundering documentation to be discussed.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte advanced Monday when Presiding Officer Francis Escudero rejected an objection to foreign currency account evidence being entered into the record. Senator-Judge Imee Marcos had sought to block presentation of the foreign accounts during the trial's 33rd day, but Escudero ruled to allow the evidence to proceed. The decision removes a procedural hurdle that had threatened to exclude materials related to anti-money laundering documentation from trial proceedings. Financial records previously showed that a company linked to Duterte engaged in transactions with Chinese firms, details that prosecutors have emphasized in building their case. The allowance of foreign currency account evidence potentially broadens the evidentiary foundation available to the trial panel as proceedings continue.