Prosecution panel flags Vice President Sara Duterte for missing cash declarations in SALNs
The House prosecution panel says Vice President Sara Duterte failed to list cash on hand or in banks in her SALNs for seven years, prompting questions about her rapidly rising net worth.
On Day 25 of the impeachment trial, the House prosecution panel highlighted that Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth shows no cash on hand or in banks for seven consecutive years, contrary to the disclosure mandates of RA 6713. Ombudsman Records Division officer Karen Batu testified that the SALNs from 2019 to 2025 also left out stock holdings, even though Duterte identified herself as an incorporator or shareholder in multiple businesses.
Prosecutors Hez Montalan and Benjamin Tolosa Jr. pointed to a surge in her declared net worth—from P7.2 million in 2007 to roughly P98 million by the end of 2025—and questioned whether this aligns with her income tax filings. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian suggested the net worth might be undervalued because stock values were not indicated. House prosecutors Terry Ridon and Ace Barbers criticized the defense’s refusal to use the term “yaman” for net worth, insisting it simply denotes wealth. Defense lawyer Michael Poa said the allegations will be addressed with future witnesses and evidence.
Why it matters
It raises concerns about financial transparency and possible misconduct by a senior elected official during an impeachment proceeding.
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