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

MANILA, Philippines – Rep. Terry L. Ridon, a House prosecutor, challenged Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday to explain why more than P100 million in bank deposits, investments, and insurance holdings allegedly did not appear in her 2023 statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN).

In a press briefing on Monday, Ridon said the discrepancies remained unanswered as the defense prepared to present its evidence when the impeachment trial resumes on Nov. 9.

Earlier, the prosecution presented records showing combined year-end bank balances in 2023 of P71.38 million in accounts linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.

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Insurance and investment records also showed P35.9 million in holdings that year.

Together, the figures amount to approximately P107.28 million, although possible overlaps and ownership must be considered before treating the entire amount as undeclared wealth.

Ridon raised the figures when asked whether a possible prenuptial agreement could help Duterte challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

He said the prosecution had already presented financial records that required an explanation.

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“Again, going back to what we had seen during the presentation of evidence, for example, for 2023, the SALN of the vice president did not reach 18 million [pesos],” Ridon said.

The prosecution also questioned why Duterte declared no cash on hand or in banks in her SALNs from 2022 to 2025 despite the balances reflected in bank records.

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Ridon said the defense must explain the discrepancies, regardless of the arguments it eventually raises.

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The defense is scheduled to begin presenting evidence on the second impeachment article on alleged unexplained wealth on Nov. 9. /atm