Potential Tax Evasion Case Against Vice President Sara Duterte

The House prosecution panel has identified a possible case of tax evasion involving Vice President Sara Duterte, following the discovery of a discrepancy amounting to PHP 111.85 million between her declared income and bank deposits. This revelation is part of documents submitted for her ongoing impeachment trial, which is set to resume on November 9.

According to Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson for the House prosecution panel from Lanao del Sur, the discrepancy highlights issues of both non-disclosure and potential tax evasion. Adiong stressed that Duterte needs to explain the sources of these deposits, which do not align with her reported income to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Financial records reviewed by the prosecution indicated that from 2022 to 2025, a total of PHP 174.96 million flowed into Duterte’s bank accounts, while only PHP 63.11 million was declared as her income during the same period, creating a notable financial gap.

Expert financial forensic accountant Attorney Alexander Cabrera conducted the analysis, which examined income tax returns, bank records, and other financial documents associated with Duterte. The prosecution also cited that Cabrera identified about PHP 817.87 million as Duterte and her husband's undeclared wealth and assets.

In a hearing, an executive from the Bank of the Philippine Islands testified that approximately PHP 185 million was held in a joint account belonging to former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Duterte at a branch located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Amid these allegations, Vice President Duterte has denied any wrongdoing regarding her wealth and the discrepancies in her reported income.

Reporting by Ashley Romero for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.