The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office has recommended dismissing the complaint filed by Atty. Manases ‘Mans’ Carpio against high-ranking officials over the disclosure of bank transaction records of his and his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte.

The respondents include House Justice Panel Chair Gerville Luistro, Representatives Leila de Lima, Antonio Tinio, Percival Cendaña, Chel Diokno, Renee Co, Joel Chua, and Terry Ridon. 

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado, SEC Chairperson Francis Edralin Lim, and AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura were also included as respondents.

The prosecutor’s office noted that the respondents carried out their official duties, including issuing and complying with subpoenas for the reports, as well as discussing these during impeachment proceedings. 

The complaint filed by Atty. Carpio is about the alleged violation of the Bank Secrecy Law, Data Privacy Act, and Anti-Money Laundering Act. 

Meanwhile, respondents welcomed the recommendation of the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. 

“This is a welcome development, especially since this is merely a harassment suit meant to intimidate lawmakers who are just carrying out their duties,” Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila De Lima said

“With this, yung mga testigo na uupo na dinamay nila dito para harassin, para mapigilan yung kanilang mga sasabihin sa impeachment ay wala nang magiging hadlang. So naniniwala kami na lahat itong mga kaso na ibinabato ay para lamang mapigilan at para ma-harass ang mga testigo,” Rep. Joel Chua said

However, Carpio’s team stated that they may refile the complaint before the Ombudsman after reviewing the resolution.

With reports from Zarah Mendez