Day 9 of VP Duterte impeachment trial: Senate orders financial subpoenas as NBI testifies on alleged assassination plot

Senate Orders Financial Subpoenas

The Philippine Senate impeachment court on Wednesday ordered subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's financial records from six banks, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), marking a significant development as prosecutors concluded presenting evidence on Article IV of the impeachment complaint.

The subpoenas cover accounts held with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., Philippine Savings Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Security Bank, LandBank of the Philippines and BDO Unibank. The court also ordered the BIR and AMLC to submit financial records of Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, and businesses allegedly linked to them.

NBI Treats Alleged Threat as Active Assassination Plot

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testified that the bureau has expanded its investigation beyond criminal complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition currently pending before the Department of Justice. According to Matibag, investigators no longer view Vice President Duterte's controversial statements as mere political rhetoric.

"Our observation is that this is no longer merely a threat but a plan," Matibag told the Senate impeachment court.

The NBI chief said the bureau created a special task force in April because investigators believe the alleged threat remains ongoing and has become a national security concern.

Matibag revealed that investigators have narrowed their focus on potential suspects involved in the alleged assassination plot, though he declined to identify them, citing concerns about compromising the ongoing investigation. House prosecutor Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong later emphasised that identifying the alleged hitman is part of a separate criminal investigation and is not required to prove the impeachment charge.

Investigation Focuses on Online Press Conferences

The NBI investigation centres on Duterte's online press conferences on Oct. 18 and Nov. 23, 2024. During those appearances, Duterte spoke about wanting to cut off the president's head and later claimed she had instructed someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should she herself be assassinated.

Matibag testified that investigators interpreted those remarks as more than political hyperbole. The testimony came as House prosecutors concluded presenting evidence under Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust over alleged threats against the three officials.

Possible Conspiracy Under Examination

The NBI chief also revealed investigators are examining whether there was a possible conspiracy involving Duterte and her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte. Matibag pointed to similarities between the siblings' public remarks referring to President Marcos' "head," saying investigators are determining whether the statements were coordinated.

He added that authorities are examining whether Duterte's remarks encouraged supporters to issue similar threats against the president.

Prosecution Rests Case on Article IV

House prosecutors formally ended their presentation of evidence on Article IV after six hearing days of presenting witnesses and evidence. Defence lawyers, however, sought additional time to continue cross-examining Matibag before prosecutors formally rest their case.

Courtroom Tensions and Procedural Disputes

Defence lawyer Mark Vinluan and lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro repeatedly argued over whether House justice committee hearings functioned as a "mini trial". Vinluan maintained they effectively served as one, while Luistro insisted the proceedings were merely clarificatory hearings conducted before the impeachment case reached the Senate.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo openly criticised some senator-judges for delivering lengthy lectures during proceedings instead of focusing on evidence, saying valuable hearing time was being lost.

One unusual exchange drew attention when Matibag himself objected to a question posed by the defence — a role normally reserved for opposing counsel. The court reminded participants that only senator-judges decide whether objections should be sustained.

Catering Controversy Emerges

A separate controversy emerged after reports that Vice President Duterte requested Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian to have the Senate shoulder catering expenses using the Office of the Vice President's accredited caterer during the trial. Sen. Panfilo Lacson confirmed the request had been made, while Duterte spokesman Michael Poa said the proposal did not appear to have been approved. House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticised the request as "improper".

Overseas Trip Draws Criticism

Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. criticised Duterte for undertaking a personal five-country trip while the impeachment trial is underway, calling the travel a "betrayal of public trust".

Next Phase of Trial

With prosecutors having rested their case on Article IV, the impeachment trial is expected to move to the next articles of impeachment while the Senate awaits compliance with its subpoenas for Duterte's financial records. Those documents could become a significant part of the evidence as the proceedings continue.