BBM’s approval of release of VP Sara tax records defended

Malacañang on Thursday defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the release of Vice President Sara Duterte’s tax records to the Senate impeachment court, saying the decision was based on legal processes and the administration’s commitment to due process.

At a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President merely allowed the law to take its course after the Senate impeachment court issued a subpoena directing the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to produce the requested records.

Castro said Marcos would not obstruct the disclosure of evidence sought through lawful judicial proceedings, stressing that his actions were guided solely by existing laws and procedures.

She also rejected claims that the President’s approval was politically motivated, saying critics often make such accusations even when government actions are in accordance with the law.

The BIR on Thursday reportedly transmitted Duterte’s tax records to the Senate impeachment court following the President’s approval. The documents also include the tax records of Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, and companies linked to the couple.

The Senate impeachment court earlier granted the House prosecution panel’s request to subpoena Duterte’s tax records, bank records, and other financial documents as part of the ongoing impeachment trial.

House prosecutors said the records are intended to support allegations of unexplained wealth. During earlier House hearings, lawmakers cited alleged bank transactions amounting to ₱6.77 billion from 2006 to 2025 that they claimed were inconsistent with the Vice President’s declared assets.

Duterte’s legal team has opposed the subpoenas, arguing that they are unlawful, unreasonable, and violate the constitutional rights of the Vice President and her spouse.

Meanwhile, House prosecution spokesperson and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said the tax and bank records could provide a clearer picture of the growth of Duterte’s wealth since she served as Davao City vice mayor in 2007. 

She added that the reported authorization granted by the President to the BIR only reinforced the prosecution’s position that the Senate impeachment court has the authority to examine the respondent’s financial records.