Philippines’ Marcos Approves Release of VP Duterte’s Tax Records To Impeachment Trial

MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the release of Vice President Sara Duterte’s tax records to the Senate as part of her impeachment trial.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the records can be accessed by the parties as evidence. Under Philippine law, presidential authorization is required before the Bureau of Internal Revenue can release confidential tax records. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, had earlier issued a subpoena for Duterte’s tax records but stopped short of ordering their release, citing taxpayer confidentiality rules.

The Senate has also ordered banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to produce financial records related to Duterte and her husband. Duterte is facing trial on allegations of misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, corruption, and threats against President Marcos, the first lady, and a former House speaker. She has previously denied any wrongdoing and described the impeachment as politically motivated. The trial is set to resume on August 3. A conviction would require the votes of at least 16 of the Senate’s 24 members and could derail Duterte’s planned 2028 presidential run. Marcos and Duterte, heirs to two of the country’s most powerful political families, ran together on a joint ticket and won the 2022 election. Their alliance has since collapsed amid growing tensions.

Written by News Room