Tax records take center stage in Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court convened to hear from a senior revenue official as prosecutors sought to establish a factual record regarding the vice president's tax filings and income declarations. Anne Loraine Garcia-Marquez, chief of staff of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, was scheduled to testify on behalf of the House prosecution team regarding Duterte's tax records and those of her spouse.

The appearance of the BIR executive marks a significant procedural moment in the trial, which has now entered its sixth week of hearings. Financial accountability and tax compliance have emerged as central issues in the impeachment case against the sitting vice president.

The impeachment proceedings, which began in recent months, have drawn sustained attention from lawmakers and the public. The testimony from the BIR official is expected to provide documentary evidence and official records from the nation's tax authority regarding the Duterte household's financial dealings over a specific period.

The trial continues as the Senate examines allegations that prompted the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings. Each day of testimony adds to the evidentiary record that senators will ultimately weigh in determining whether grounds exist for conviction and removal from office.