Manila: The House prosecution panel has received copies of the bank and tax records it sought from Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, her husband Manases 'Mans' Carpio, and their companies, clearing the way for a detailed review ahead of its presentation on alleged unexplained wealth.

According to Philippines News Agency, House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon announced in a press briefing that the Senate impeachment court had released the records to the panel after receiving and securing the documents produced in response to its subpoenas. The records, obtained on Wednesday afternoon, include all bank and tax information requested from Duterte, Carpio, and their companies.

The impeachment court had approved the prosecution's request for these financial records in July. Six banks submitted records pertaining to Duterte and Carpio, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue provided their tax documents. The court completed inventory and security procedures before releasing the copies to the parties involved.

Ridon, leading the prosecution team assigned to Article II, stated that the panel would now scrutinize the material against Duterte's statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, as well as her declared income and business interests. This examination is part of the preparation for presenting the allegations of unexplained wealth, which accuse Duterte of accumulating wealth allegedly disproportionate to her lawful income and failing to make full disclosures in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), while maintaining business interests during her vice presidency.

Duterte's defense has contested these allegations, arguing against the claims. Ridon mentioned that the prosecution is preparing to present Article II by mid- or late September, following the anticipated completion of its confidential-fund evidence. The records will be tested against the specific claims contained in Article II before any documents are presented in court.

Ridon emphasized that these financial records represent a crucial component of the evidence to be used for the unexplained wealth article in the impeachment trial.