MANILA, Philippines — Tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as House prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Representative Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno faced off against Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense spokesperson, Atty. Michael Poa, during the sixth day of the Vice President’s impeachment trial.
The Impeachment Court’s oral arguments focused on an important motion filed by the prosecution seeking to subpoena the bank records, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) records, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports of the Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio.
Leading the charge for the House prosecution panel, Diokno argued that accessing these financial documents is important to resolving Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which alleges unexplained wealth and the misuse of public funds. He emphasized that transparency must prevail whenever public money and public trust are at stake.
Diokno further contended that the country’s strict bank secrecy laws allow for exceptions, particularly within the context of an impeachment case.
“Since this impeachment court has the sole power to determine what constitutes an impeachable offense, no one, not the Supreme Court, much less the defense can impose limitations on that power,” Diokno argued. “No one can dictate to this Court how to exercise its exclusive power.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Michael Poa opposed the motion. Speaking on behalf of the Vice President’s defense team, Poa cautioned the Senate against granting the subpoenas, characterizing the prosecution’s move as a fishing expedition for evidence they do not currently possess.
“In our legal system, it is not permitted to accuse now and then just look for proof later on. That is not how due process works,”
Poa also argued that the prosecution must rely on its own independently gathered evidence rather than demanding access to private and confidential information.
To recall, the Senate Impeachment Court has ordered to return the sealed box back to the BIR since they have not yet in custodia legis of the said box.
“This box was turned over to the Senate as part of the documents, including the Articles of Impeachment. However, the impeachment court is not yet in custodia legis of this box, given that there is no lawful order issued by the court for this box to be turned over to the Senate,” presiding officer Chiz Escudero said. — Shey Valino, Contributor