The tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte have been submitted to the Senate Impeachment Court following the consent given by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

But according to the prosecution, this does not mean the President is involved in the impeachment trial.

"Ministerial," or an obligation to perform, was the answer of House Prosecution Panel member and Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon when asked whether President Marcos Jr.'s authorization for the submission of VP Duterte's tax records to the Senate Impeachment Court means the President is involved in the trial.

The tax records were submitted by the BIR on Thursday, July 30.

Ridon said that regardless of who the impeachable official is, the President would still give his consent to the opening of BIR documents, especially since it would further the cause of accountability and justice. 

He said there is no reason to say the President had a hand in the matter.

Malacañang gave a similar statement. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President follows what the law and the process require. 

She said the President is simply following what the law requires by giving his approval to the BIR for the opening of the tax records of VP Duterte and Atty. Mans Carpio, adding that since this serves the cause of truth, he will not withhold it from the public.

In the coming days, the prosecution may be able to obtain copies of the subpoenaed financial records of VP Duterte. 

These may be used as evidence in the article of impeachment concerning the Vice President's alleged unexplained wealth.

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