Legal

Ombudsman to Comply with House Order for Sara Duterte SALN | INQToday

INQUIRER.net
INQUIRER.net•Mar 26, 2026

Why It Matters

The ruling tests the balance of power between legislative oversight and executive immunity, with potential removal of the vice president reshaping Philippine political dynamics.

Key Takeaways

  • •Ombudsman pledges to obey House subpoena for Duterte's SALN.
  • •House panel seeks certified SALN copies spanning 2007‑2025.
  • •Discrepancy of roughly 50 million pesos noted in 2024 SALN.
  • •Two impeachment complaints allege graft, bribery, and fund misuse.
  • •Senate will act as trial court if House finds probable cause.

Summary

The Office of the Ombudsman announced it will comply with a House Committee on Justice subpoena demanding a certified true copy of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) covering 2007‑2025, underscoring its commitment to follow constitutional impeachment procedures.

The House panel’s request follows earlier hearings where representative Terry Redon highlighted a roughly 50 million‑peso gap between Duterte’s reported earnings—estimated at 30‑40 million pesos—from her tenure as Davao City mayor and vice president, and the 2024 SALN showing a net worth of 88.5 million pesos. The committee is reviewing two impeachment complaints alleging betrayal of public trust, bribery, graft, and the alleged misuse of 612 million pesos in confidential funds.

Assistant Ombudsman Miko Clavana emphasized that public officials’ financial disclosures are public documents subject to request or subpoena, while Duterte’s legal team labeled the House hearings unconstitutional, insisting that only the Senate can conduct an impeachment trial. Despite the challenge, the Ombudsman reiterated its role in facilitating the legal process.

If the House finds probable cause, the articles of impeachment will move to the Senate, which will act as the trial court. The outcome could lead to Duterte’s removal from office and set a precedent for fiscal transparency and accountability among high‑ranking officials in the Philippines.

Original Description

The Office of the Ombudsman says they will comply with the order of a House panel to release the certified true copy of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

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