VP Sara's bank records could be subpoenaed in impeachment proceedings —House leader

A vice chairperson of the House committee on justice today said Vice President Sara Duterte may be subpoenaed as part of the impeachment proceedings.

Representative Jonathan Keith Flores said laws provide exceptions to protecting the confidentiality of bank deposits.

"I know that that's one of the exceptions on the Bank Secrecy Law, the AMLC can explore this during impeachment cases," Flores said in an interview.

But Flores cautioned, "Ang puwede lang namin pakialaman is iyong (But what we can touch are only) things that were done while she was vice president. I think that's one of the things na na-mention ng Supreme Court na you can only accuse her of things done while she's holding the impeachable position."

One of the impeachment complaints filed against the vice president sought a review of Duterte's bank records and other financial documents to determine whether she amassed unexplained wealth and possible SALN violations.

Justice committee head Rep. Gerville Luistro yesterday said of the issue, "I do not want to preempt the discussion about the possibility of getting these bank records. We have to determine first whether these impeachment complaints will pass the sufficiency in form and substance."

If the Hjustice panel finds the impeachment complaints against Duterte sufficient in form and substance, the vice president will be notified to file an answer within 10 calendar days.

"She could opt not to file an answer at all. She can also waive her right to file an answer. Or if she does, maybe on the last day. So, you know, we can never tell with these things," Flores said.

"If she fails, after the 10-day period, there's no more reply rejoinder. So that will save us six more days. So we will still continue. That will depend on the chairperson how she wants to go about it. Will she be calling the complainants? To further, maybe, strengthen whatever the allegations are in the complaint. Or if there are questions from the members that she may entertain," he added.

When asked if any member of the House of Representatives is expected to defend the vice president, Flores replied, "I think you'll probably be surprised. I'm sure someone will stand and who will be speaking for and on behalf of the Vice President. I'm almost certain."

If the impeachment complaints have a sufficient basis, the committee will proceed to the hearing proper. Flores said Duterte may be made to appear.

"Assuming that members of the committee will find that there is sufficient substance, then she may be called to answer clarificatory questions. It's like a preliminary investigation of a fiscal. Questions can be raised on certain matters that need to be clarified or explained," Flores explained.

Earlier, Luistro said they may hold committee deliberations during the recess.

Congress is scheduled to go on Lenten break from March 21 to May 3, 2026.

When asked how the hearing days will be counted, Flores replied, "There has to be some form of counting. We cannot go on and hold hearings at the committee level and not count any day, right? So even if maybe Congress is not in session, but every day that we hold a committee hearing, siguro as far as this is concerned, we should count that as one day, to be fair."

"I don't think na we should hold this hostage for so long. I mean, everyone wants to get it over with. If we find something in it, then we proceed.  If there's none, then we can end it, so we can all go back to work na and not be too distracted with all the impeachment proceedings," he added. —LDF, GMA Integrated News