Financial analyst maintains ₱1.049B reporting gap in VP-linked firm case

MANILA — Forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera stood firm on his findings Monday in the ongoing case involving Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that unreported financial transactions linked to companies associated with the VP and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, represent a matter of nonreporting rather than fraud.

Cabrera's testimony centered on a reported ₱1.049 billion gap in financial reporting by the companies in question. The analyst's characterization directly contradicted assertions by defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer, who had sought to frame the transactions as something other than a deliberate concealment of financial activity.

The distinction between nonreporting and fraud carries significant implications for the case, as it addresses questions about the intent and nature of the undisclosed transactions. Cabrera's analysis examined a series of financial dealings that were not reflected in official company reports during the period under review.

The testimony marks a critical juncture in the proceedings, with the forensic analyst's expert assessment providing key evidence regarding the scope and nature of the unreported transactions. The case continues to draw scrutiny given the high-profile status of those involved.