House Prosecution Spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized that a sealed BIR box containing income tax returns and other financial records could become the most important evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. According to Adiong, the documents are essential for evaluating allegations of unexplained wealth by comparing them with the Vice President's Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
Prosecution's Stance on the BIR Box
Adiong clarified that opening the box is merely part of inventory and marking of documents, not an automatic acceptance as evidence. However, the Duterte camp remains opposed to this step. The prosecution argues that the financial records are vital to substantiate claims of inconsistencies in Duterte's declared wealth.
Defense Camp Responds
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa asserted that it is too early to judge the issue, as only the Senate Impeachment Court has the authority to decide on motions from both sides. Poa stressed that the defense should be given an opportunity to respond before any public conclusions are drawn. He added that all matters related to the BIR box must undergo the proper court process.
At present, the box remains in the custody of the impeachment court, pending a decision on whether it will be accepted as official evidence in the trial. This issue is expected to be a central point of discussion in the upcoming stages of the impeachment proceedings.
