House prosecutors seek financial records in Duterte impeachment case

MANILA — The House of Representatives prosecution team will focus on verifying Vice President Sara Duterte's sources of wealth as it proceeds with the second article of the impeachment case against her, according to prosecutors involved in the inquiry.

The investigation will compare Duterte's declared assets with official tax records, banking documents, business interests, and other financial evidence to establish whether her accumulated wealth aligns with her reported income. Prosecutors indicated they are seeking what they termed "receipts of wealth" — documentary proof tracing the origins of her assets.

The move represents a shift in focus from the first impeachment article, which centered on allegations of budget misuse at the Office of the Vice President. The second article directs attention to Duterte's personal financial disclosures and whether her lifestyle and asset accumulation match her legitimate sources of income.

The investigation will require cooperation from various government agencies that maintain financial records, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue and banking institutions. The process is expected to span several months as prosecutors compile and analyze documents from multiple sources.