Politics · Philippines Bureau
Duterte's defense team objects to public display of tax records
The Senate Impeachment Court heard procedural arguments over whether Vice President Sara Duterte's tax documents should be publicly displayed. Her defense counsel sought to restrict disclosure of the tax records during the ongoing trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The Senate Impeachment Court addressed a procedural matter Tuesday concerning the handling of Vice President Sara Duterte's tax records as her impeachment trial progresses. Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer objected to the public display of the vice president's tax documents, arguing against making copies of her tax returns visible during court proceedings.
The objection was raised during arguments presented by both the defense and private prosecutor Erwin Matib, who presented competing positions on how sensitive financial records should be handled in the high-profile case. The debate reflected tensions over transparency and privacy in a proceeding of significant national interest.
The Senate Impeachment Court, which is hearing the case against the vice president, will need to rule on whether the tax documents can be openly displayed or whether restrictions should be imposed on their public presentation. The decision could set precedent for how financial evidence is handled in similar proceedings before the tribunal.