Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson asserted that the impeachment court cannot disregard existing law when discussing the request to open Vice President Sara Duterte's tax records. According to Lacson, the impeachment court must comply with the requirements of the National Internal Revenue Code, including obtaining written authorization from the President before opening the sealed "green box" of the Bureau of Internal Revenue that contains the vice president's tax records.
Lacson cites rule of law
Lacson emphasized that his position is based on the Rule of Law and not on supporting any side in the impeachment trial. He added that he would not base his decision on any possible political interpretation of the President's decision to grant written authority, as the important thing is compliance with what the law provides.
The impeachment court is scheduled to hear oral arguments this week regarding subpoenas for records from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and banks.
