Prosecutors seek VP's bank records

(UPDATE) THE House of Representatives' prosecutors are preparing to request subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's bank records to strengthen the impeachment case against her once the Senate convenes as a court to try it. "The impeachment process allows us to complete the evidence to support our case, and that includes subpoenaing financial records if necessary through the Senate impeachment court," Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the House prosecution team, said. "The Bank Secrecy Law provides an exception for impeachment cases, and we intend to use all legal means to secure relevant documents, in addition to the evidence already present, that will aid in the trial," Chua said. Duterte did not respond to a request for comment from The Manila Times. Last week, the House impeached Duterte and transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Over 200 House lawmakers supported the impeachment complaint. Among the allegations was that she committed culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust "in amassing unexplained wealth and failing to disclose all her properties and interests in properties in her" statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. "We will consider requesting subpoenas for bank records and, if necessary, seek judicial enforcement to ensure compliance," Chua said. House prosecutors were also exploring coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Commission on Audit, according to a statement on Monday. Under the Constitution, the Senate has the sole power to try and decide an impeachment case. The Constitution states that if the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least a third of all House members, the same shall constitute the impeachment articles, "and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed." The same Constitution gives the House the sole power to initiate impeachment cases. "A verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any member of the House of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any member thereof." Under the Constitution, the president, vice president, Supreme Court members, members of constitutional commissions, and the Ombudsman may be impeached for "culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust." Congress is on a break for the election campaign and will resume session in June. It will adjourn sine die in the second week of the same month. Chua said the recess will not prevent the prosecutors from doing their job. "We will ensure that when the trial begins, and as we proceed, we have the necessary documents, testimonies and financial records to present," he said. "The recess does not stop our work. The prosecutors are reviewing evidence, gathering testimonies, and ensuring that we are ready once the Senate acts," Chua said. Duterte on Friday said a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend was more difficult than being impeached by the House. Senate President Francis Escudero said the senators already received a copy of the impeachment complaint against Duterte and verified the 215 signatures of the complainants. At least four people scrutinized the signatures and they analyzed the signatures at least twice, he said. "Additionally, just to further validate, we procured an AI (artificial intelligence) app (application) to check whether the signatures on the paper were indeed 'wet' [signatures] and not e-signature (electronic signature)," he said. He said the articles of impeachment that the House of Representatives elevated to the Senate on Feb. 5 were already posted on the Senate website. "We treat this as a public document. And it is just right to make it public," he said.