SEC official tells impeachment court Duterte knew divestment rules

MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte was expected to understand her obligation to divest from business holdings when she assumed the vice presidency, according to testimony delivered to the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday.

Gerardo del Rosario, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Company Registration and Monitoring Department, presented the constitutional basis for the divestment requirement during the proceedings. He cited provisions in the Philippine Constitution that impose restrictions on business ownership for the president and vice president.

The testimony forms part of ongoing scrutiny into whether the vice president complied with constitutional and legal requirements governing conflict of interest provisions for high-ranking government officials. The impeachment court has been examining questions surrounding Duterte's business interests since she took office.

Del Rosario's statement underscores the SEC's position that awareness of these constitutional mandates should be presumed among individuals assuming the nation's highest executive positions. The divestment requirement is intended to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure government officials prioritize their public duties above private financial interests.

The impeachment proceedings continue as the Senate weighs allegations against the vice president in connection with her business dealings and compliance with constitutional obligations.