Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo Puno has suggested that the prosecution in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte should focus on alleged hidden wealth, drawing a parallel to the plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada. Puno, a former interior and local government secretary, offered this as free legal advice, emphasizing that proving hidden assets could be a more straightforward path to conviction.
Puno noted that the Estrada case, which led to the former president's conviction for plunder in 2007, centered on unexplained wealth. He argued that a similar approach could be effective against Duterte, who is facing impeachment over various allegations. The lawmaker did not provide specific evidence of hidden wealth but urged prosecutors to investigate financial records and assets.
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was filed in the House of Representatives in late 2025, citing grounds such as betrayal of public trust and alleged misuse of funds. The case is currently pending before the House Committee on Justice. Puno's remarks come as the committee deliberates on whether to proceed with the impeachment articles.
As of May 8, 2026, no formal charges have been filed against Duterte in connection with hidden wealth. The Office of the Vice President has not issued a statement on Puno's suggestion. Legal experts note that proving hidden wealth requires substantial documentary evidence and cooperation from financial institutions.
