Forensic analyst claims VP Duterte concealed P817M in assets during impeachment trial

MANILA – A financial forensic analyst testified before the Senate impeachment court on Wednesday that Vice President Sara Duterte accumulated approximately P817.87 million in alleged undeclared assets and unexplained wealth spanning from 2022 to 2025, presenting detailed documentation of the purported financial discrepancies.

Alexander Cabrera's testimony capped a week of intense proceedings that saw the prosecution withdraw its bribery charge against the vice president, signaling a strategic refocus on financial accountability issues. The analyst's presentation centered on scrutiny of banking records and asset declarations, examining the sources and legitimacy of the vice president's wealth accumulation during the period in question.

The development comes amid growing tensions within the impeachment trial, with several senator-judges issuing threats regarding the proceedings' trajectory and conduct. The prosecution's decision to abandon the bribery allegation represents a significant shift in the legal strategy, suggesting prosecutors deemed the evidence insufficient while pursuing alternative grounds for the impeachment case.

The trial continues to draw intense public attention as it represents one of the most consequential political proceedings in recent Philippine history. The Senate impeachment court is expected to resume hearings as both the prosecution and defense prepare their next phases of testimony and evidence presentation.