Ridon: Vice President Sara Duterte's 91 days of non-official foreign travel over the past two years are now being considered for inclusion in the prosecution's unexplained wealth case after its first expert witness identified such expenditures as potentially relevant to a public official's wealth.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon disclosed in an ambush interview at the Senate that examining non-official foreign travels is now on the table. Ridon explained that this consideration arose after hearing retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang discuss legal standards in examining unexplained wealth.

Ridon noted that Vice President Duterte has spent 91 days out of the country on 19 non-official trips over the last two years. The prosecution is focusing on whether the cost of these trips aligns with Duterte's legitimate income and declared assets, rather than using the frequency of travel as proof of unexplained wealth.

The expenditures will be cross-referenced against Duterte's legitimate income as Vice President and assessed in relation to her declared net worth in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). Ridon mentioned earlier estimates placing the travel cost at several million pesos, but the prosecution must still establish the actual expenses and payment methods.

Ridon emphasized that Duterte's declared net worth cannot be fully regarded as available spending money due to its composition of property and other non-cash assets. The prosecution's unexplained wealth team will now determine which travel records and financial documents should be presented and whether the foreign trips can be incorporated into the time allotted for Article II.