Politics · Philippines Bureau
House prosecutors deny 'fishing expedition' in Duterte wealth case
The lead prosecutor in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial rejected accusations that investigators were conducting a "fishing expedition," asserting that all evidence came from official records belonging to the vice president, her husband, and their associated companies.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Rep. Gerville Luistro, heading the House prosecution panel in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, defended the scope and legitimacy of the investigation on Wednesday. Luistro dismissed claims that prosecutors were conducting an unfocused or improper investigation into the vice president's finances.
The lead prosecutor emphasized that the evidence presented originated from documented sources, including records from Duterte herself, her spouse, their legal representatives, and companies linked to the family. This reliance on official documentation, according to Luistro, demonstrated the investigation's foundation in concrete materials rather than speculation.
The impeachment trial centers on questions surrounding Duterte's wealth and financial dealings. The defense had suggested prosecutors were pursuing a broad-based "fishing expedition" without proper evidentiary footing, a characterization the prosecution vigorously contested.
Luistro's remarks underscored the prosecution's position that their investigation followed established procedures grounded in verifiable records. The case continues to draw significant attention as lawmakers weigh the charges against the sitting vice president.