Senator flags P150M banana chip firm with zero employees in 2024
Senator-Judge Joel Villanueva noted that Cale88, a banana-chip exporter partly owned by Manases Carpio, recorded P150 million in 2024 sales despite having no employees.
During a Senate hearing, Joel Villanueva questioned forensic accountant Alexander Cabrera about Cale88’s financial records. The firm, founded in 2021 and 47.5% owned by Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, reported P150 million in sales for 2024. SEC filings show the company had zero employees in both 2023 and 2024, prompting concerns over its operational legitimacy.
Why it matters
It exposes possible financial irregularities in a company tied to a senior political family.
In this story
banana chipssalesno employeesPhilippinespolitical familySEC filingsfinancial audit
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