SEC official flags potential constitutional breach in Duterte's corporate roles

MANILA — A top Securities and Exchange Commission official raised concerns about potential constitutional violations related to Vice President Sara Duterte's positions on corporate compensation committees during testimony at her impeachment trial Monday.

Gerardo del Rosario, director of the SEC's Company Registration and Monitoring Department, told the trial panel that such roles could constitute a breach of Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution. The constitutional provision restricts the concurrent business interests of high-ranking government officials to prevent conflicts of interest.

The testimony marked the 27th day of proceedings in the impeachment case against the Vice President. Del Rosario's comments centered on regulatory requirements and constitutional restrictions governing the simultaneous holding of corporate positions and public office.

The impeachment trial has examined various aspects of Duterte's activities since she assumed the vice presidency, with legal analysts noting the significance of testimony regarding potential violations of conflict-of-interest provisions that apply to members of the executive branch.

The case continues to draw attention as lawmakers and officials scrutinize questions of constitutional compliance at the highest levels of Philippine government.