Politics · Philippines Bureau
VP Duterte's legal team denies threatening intent over bank secrecy concerns
The defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that remarks about possible violations of banking privacy laws were not meant as a threat. The comments were raised during the ongoing Senate impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team has rejected suggestions that it intended to threaten anyone when one of its lawyers flagged potential breaches of bank secrecy legislation in connection with Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents presented to the Senate impeachment court.
Attorney Michael Poa, serving as spokesperson for the Vice President's defense team, stated the reference to possible violations was a straightforward legal observation rather than an intimidatory move. The remarks came during heated exchanges at the impeachment proceedings, where AMLC records became a point of contention between the defense and prosecution.
The clarification reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the presentation of sensitive financial documents in the highly publicized impeachment case. The defense team has sought to highlight procedural concerns and evidentiary issues as the Senate continues its deliberations.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte have drawn intense public and political scrutiny, with numerous legal arguments emerging over the admissibility and handling of evidence throughout the trial.
No further details were immediately available regarding the specific AMLC documents or the precise nature of the alleged bank secrecy violations referenced by the defense counsel.