Marcos' Approval Crucial in Opening Sara Duterte's Bank Records

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may have a critical role to play if the prosecution insists on presenting the tax and bank records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, in her impeachment trial. Senate impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol said on Thursday that the procedure used to obtain those records involves Marcos' approval.

Sara Duterte is currently facing an impeachment trial over allegations of betrayal of public trust. The prosecution is seeking access to her bank and tax records, which they claim are necessary to prove her involvement in several transactions suspected of being irregular.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Tongol explained that the records are being sought under a specific provision of the Impeachment Rules, which requires Marcos' approval for the release of sensitive information. Tongol stated that Marcos has yet to take a stance on the matter, but added that the President's office has been informed of the prosecution's request.

The prosecution has named several key figures involved in the transactions, including a high-ranking member of the Philippine military and several government officials. Sara Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the allegations are baseless and an attempt to discredit her.

If Marcos approves the release of the records, the prosecution will likely proceed with presenting the evidence, which could have significant implications for Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. The Vice President's camp has yet to comment on the matter, but sources close to the family indicate that they are prepared to fight the allegations.

The Impeachment Rules require that sensitive information be kept confidential, and only accessible to authorized personnel. However, the prosecution has argued that the records are necessary to prove Sara Duterte's alleged betrayal of public trust. The Senate is expected to make a ruling on the matter soon, with some lawmakers expressing skepticism over the prosecution's claims.

Reginald Tongol has been Senate impeachment court spokesperson since the start of the impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte.

Marcos Jr. was inaugurated as President of the Philippines on June 30, 2022, after winning the presidential election in May of the same year. He is the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Sara Duterte, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, won the 2022 vice presidential election and took office on June 30, 2022. She is married to Manases Carpio.

The impeachment trial of Sara Duterte has been ongoing since May 2026, with the prosecution presenting several witnesses and pieces of evidence. The Senate is expected to make a ruling on the matter soon.