Duterte told to produce evidence of business divestment after taking office

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte should present documentary evidence that she divested from her business positions and interests upon taking office in June 2022, according to Robert Ace Barbers, a House impeachment adviser and spokesperson.

Barbers raised the matter during a press briefing on Wednesday, pointing to apparent inconsistencies between the Vice President's public statements and her official statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth filed with authorities.

The call for documentation comes as scrutiny of Duterte's financial disclosures intensifies amid broader questions about potential conflicts of interest. Government officials are typically required to divest from private business holdings upon assuming public office to prevent conflicts of interest.

Barbers' remarks represent part of ongoing congressional oversight efforts examining the Vice President's compliance with ethical and legal requirements for holders of high office. The House impeachment adviser did not elaborate on the specific discrepancies identified in her financial filings during the briefing.