AMLC, banks, BIR submit records to Senate for VP Duterte impeachment trial

PASAY CITY — The Senate impeachment court took custody of the subpoenaed financial and tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases "Mans" Carpio, marking a critical step in the ongoing trial on Thursday.

Senate Secretary and Clerk of Court Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that six major financial institutions—BDO Unibank, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), Metrobank, Security Bank, LandBank, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)—had already complied with the subpoenas.

Several other banks requested a 10-day extension to produce the remaining documents, Bantug added.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was the first agency to deliver records to the Senate, submitting the Vice President's tax documents in a red box early Thursday morning.

“At 9:00 a.m. this morning, we started receiving the subpoenaed documents. First to submit was the Bureau of Internal Revenue,” Bantug told reporters. “At around 9:30 a.m., it was Metrobank, followed by PSBank, Security Bank, BPI, LandBank, and BDO.”

By late afternoon, the court also confirmed receipt of financial intelligence records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Bantug emphasized that the court's immediate priority is securing and cataloging the incoming records before Senate President and Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero determines the next steps.

“Due to the sheer volume of documents and the number of institutions covered, today was essentially a mechanical act of receiving,” Bantug explained.

Copies have not yet been distributed to the prosecution or defense, as the records must first undergo an inventory and pre-marking process.

Impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol commended the swift cooperation of the agencies and financial institutions, describing the submissions as a vital step toward ensuring the trial relies on verified evidence.

“The receipt of these documents marks a critical procedural milestone, ensuring that the trial proceeds anchored on verified documentary evidence,” Tongol said.

Tongol noted that strict physical and procedural safeguards are in place to preserve the chain of custody. Furthermore, records submitted by the AMLC will remain restricted until Presiding Officer Escudero completes an in camera review.

“The Senate Impeachment Court maintains the highest level of physical and procedural security over these records,” Tongol added. “The Impeachment Court will not rush the chain of custody. Security and accuracy take precedence over speed.”

All submissions were made in response to court-issued subpoenas directing the BIR, AMLC, and financial institutions to turn over relevant documents by July 30, 2026.