Senate impeachment court rejects bid to admit Duterte bank records

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court rejected the House prosecution panel's attempt to present Vice President Sara Duterte's bank records as evidence during Tuesday's proceedings. The court's decision was grounded in provisions of the Bill of Rights that shield individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves.

The House prosecution team had submitted the financial records as part of their case against the Vice President. However, the court determined that admitting such documents would violate constitutional safeguards protecting citizens' privacy and their right against self-incrimination.

The dispute over the bank records marks another flashpoint between the prosecution and defense teams, who have clashed repeatedly over the scope and admissibility of evidence in the high-profile impeachment proceedings. The court's ruling underscores the ongoing legal tensions between the legislative branch's investigative prerogatives and the constitutional rights of those facing impeachment charges.

The impeachment trial continues to draw significant public attention as senators weigh the evidence and arguments presented by both sides in determining whether to sustain charges against the Vice President.