MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, said he feels unfairly dragged into the ongoing impeachment proceedings against his wife, describing himself as “collateral damage” amid scrutiny of their financial records and business interests.

Carpio made the remarks during the launch of the 1Bukidnon 4 Sara Duterte Movement in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on Thursday, October 8.

The gathering was attended by supporters and organizers, including former Valencia City Vice Mayor Atty. Ted Pepito and Bukidnon 4th District Board Member RJ Pepito.

Speaking before attendees, Carpio expressed frustration over his involvement in the controversy, saying he felt as though he were the one facing impeachment.

“Pati ako gidamay. Pastilan. Murag ako man gi-impeach da. Wa silay makita kang Sara ba, so mura'g collateral damage ko,” Carpio said.

[“They’ve dragged me into this, too. Goodness! It’s as if I’m the one being impeached. They can’t find anything against Sara, so it seems I’ve become collateral damage,”]

He claimed that he was being unfairly targeted despite not being the official facing impeachment proceedings.

Nevertheless, Carpio expressed confidence that his family would overcome the challenges surrounding the trial, saying they continued to rely on prayer amid the controversy.

His remarks came as the Senate impeachment court examined financial documents and transactions involving the Vice President and her husband as part of the prosecution's allegations of unexplained wealth.

Prosecution explains inclusion of Carpio's financial records

House lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro defended the presentation of Carpio's business interests and financial activities during the impeachment proceedings.

Luistro explained that under the Philippines' property laws, married couples who did not enter into a prenuptial agreement specifying a different property regime are generally governed by the absolute community of property system, subject to applicable legal exceptions.

Under this arrangement, property acquired and owned by spouses may form part of their community property, making their financial interests relevant when examining asset declarations.

The lawmaker emphasized that the financial affairs of Duterte and Carpio are therefore connected when determining the accuracy and completeness of the Vice President's Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

Luistro said this was the reason the prosecution included Carpio's business interests in the evidence presented before the Senate impeachment court.

The prosecution has been examining financial records involving the couple to support allegations under the impeachment complaint concerning Duterte's reported wealth and financial disclosures.

Carpio's statements and the prosecution's explanation come as the impeachment proceedings continue, with the Senate tasked with evaluating the evidence and determining the merits of the allegations against the Vice President.

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