VP Sara's husband relevant to unexplained wealth case, says prosecutor

MANILA — House impeachment prosecutor Terry Ridon said the financial holdings of Lawyer Manases Carpio are directly relevant to the unexplained wealth complaint lodged against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, as assets owned by a spouse can reflect on a public official's own wealth declaration requirements.

Ridon, representing the Bicol party-list group Saro in the impeachment proceedings, argued that Carpio's possessions and financial interests cannot be separated from an assessment of the Vice President's disclosed assets and liabilities.

The remarks come as the House impeachment panel continues hearings into allegations that Duterte failed to disclose significant wealth during her tenure as Davao City mayor and in her current position as Vice President. The complaint, filed by several lawmakers and groups, claims she accumulated unexplained assets that were not reflected in her required financial disclosures.

The case hinges partly on determining the full extent of the Vice President's financial holdings and their sources. Ridon's position suggests that investigators and prosecutors plan to examine the family's consolidated financial picture rather than limiting their review to assets held solely in Duterte's name.

The impeachment complaint represents the latest political challenge for Duterte, whose relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has deteriorated significantly since she took office in 2022.