CEBU, Philippines — Financial documents from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) have been cleared for use as evidence in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson Reginald Tongol said Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has allowed the release of the AMLC records to both the prosecution and defense panels, noting that impeachment proceedings are an exception under the country’s strict anti-money laundering laws.
"May desisyon na po dyan 'yung ating presiding officer na in-allow po 'yung mga records na 'yan dahil nakapaloob doon sa anti-money laundering law na ang exception po doon ay impeachment proceedings," Tongol said in a radio interview.
Tongol said Escudero reviewed the documents and determined that their release would not compromise or disclose the AMLC’s confidential investigative methods.
To formally present the records during the trial, the tribunal would subpoena AMLC Executive Director Ronald Buenaventura.
He is expected to authenticate the documents and explain the council’s findings to the senator-judges.
As the trial enters another week of daily hearings, the chamber is also preparing for the anticipated testimonies of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
Mayor Duterte has already been subpoenaed, but Tongol cautioned that his appearance could be delayed depending on the pace of the ongoing cross-examinations of previous witnesses.
"Baka tight din tomorrow na maiupo 'yung si Mayor Duterte," Tongol said, noting that the prosecution could move his testimony to a later date to ensure an uninterrupted flow of proceedings.
Meanwhile, the subpoena request for Trillanes remains pending approval. — Philippine Star News Service/FPL