Barbers: What’s the exact extent of VP Duterte’s business interests?

MANILA, Philippines — What are the value and extent of Vice President Sara Duterte’s business interests, and did she disclose all of these in her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth?

Former Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked this question in a press conference on Tuesday, pointing out that the records presented during Duterte’s impeachment trial showed interests in Metro City Chow Foods, GenCorp, and Cale88, but did not have the acquisition costs and the extent of ownership as listed in Duterte’s asset declarations.

READ: NBI refers discrepancy in Sara Duterte SALN to Ombudsman

“What’s the capital in those businesses? And what is the percentage of her ownership in them?” Barbers said in Filipino.

Citing records and testimony from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Barbers said these details were not clear in the vice president’s SALN declarations.

He also raised questions about the constitutional restrictions on business participation by the president, vice president, and Cabinet members while holding office.

He noted that Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution prohibits these officials from participating in business or holding certain financial interests while in office.

Barbers said the prosecution would want Duterte to explain whether her business interests complied with these restrictions and were accurately reflected in her SALNs.

READ: Ridon to VP Duterte: Explain over P100-M in assets not in SALN

The business records form part of the prosecution’s evidence under the second impeachment article, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth and inaccurate asset declarations.

The defense is expected to present its evidence when the impeachment trial resumes on Nov. 9. /atm