Land assessor questioned on VP property verification methodology

MANILA — Prosecutors pressed a Davao City land assessor on the basis for his claim that a property matched an item declared by Vice President Sara Duterte, given that her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) lacked the necessary details for such verification.

The questioning arose as counsel for the prosecution Benjamin Tolosa Jr. challenged the assessor's methodology during proceedings related to lawyer Manases Carpio's property holdings. The exchange highlighted apparent inconsistencies between official declarations and supporting documentation.

The line of inquiry underscored broader concerns about the sufficiency of information contained in public financial disclosures by high-ranking government officials. Tolosa's questions suggested potential gaps between what was formally declared and what was verifiable through independent means.

The case continues to examine the documentary basis for linking specific properties to official asset declarations, raising questions about the transparency and completeness of required disclosures for officials holding prominent positions in government.