The Senate impeachment court on Monday began hearing Article II of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, focusing on allegations of unexplained wealth, inaccurate SALNs, and failure to divest from business interests.
Retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang testified on laws governing unexplained wealth and said assets held through spouses, children, or third parties may be attributed to a public official under certain circumstances.
She also explained that repeated omissions in SALNs may be considered a red flag for intentional concealment, while the Constitution requires the president and vice president to divest from business interests within 30 days of assuming office.
The defense questioned Cabotaje-Tang’s impartiality and her relationship with the prosecution, but she denied being anti-Duterte or receiving anything in exchange for her testimony.
Senator-judges also raised hypothetical questions about undeclared bank transactions and business interests as the prosecution prepares to present bank, tax, corporate, and SALN records related to Duterte’s alleged ₱6.77 billion in transactions.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 15, 2026
