Prosecutor flags P568M gap in Cale88 sales versus bank deposits

MANILA — House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan on Friday highlighted a significant P568-million gap between the reported sales and verified bank deposits of Cale88 Foods Corp., drawing scrutiny to financial records of the firm connected to lawyer Manases Carpio, spouse of Vice President Sara Duterte.

At a press conference, Kapunan noted the disparity, stating that Cale88 had declared only P208.49 million in sales during the period under examination, while actual deposits into company bank accounts substantially exceeded this figure. The discrepancy raises questions about the source of the additional funds and their proper documentation.

The inquiry forms part of ongoing investigations into financial transactions and business operations linked to the Vice President's family. Kapunan's office has been tasked with examining various aspects of Cale88's business records as part of a broader examination of related concerns.

The findings underscore the importance of transparent financial reporting and reconciliation between declared business revenues and actual banking transactions. Authorities have indicated that further investigation into the source and nature of the undisclosed deposits will continue.