Carpio seeks TRO vs House subpoena on tax records

Manases Carpio, husband of Sara Duterte, has filed a petition seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against a subpoena issued by the House Committee on Justice on their tax records.

According to Terry Ridon, Carpio filed the petition before a Quezon City Regional Trial Court, naming House Speaker Faustino Dy III and committee chair Gerville Luistro as respondents.

Meanwhile, Carpio argued in his petition that tax records of private individuals are confidential, stating that “a private person’s tax returns are highly confidential in nature.”

He added that such documents “cannot expediently be released without notice to nor prior consent of the taxpayer,” citing protections under tax laws and the Data Privacy Act.

However, Ridon maintained that documents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue may be subpoenaed during impeachment proceedings, saying these are relevant in determining possible violations by the Vice President.

“BIR documents are proper subjects of subpoena by the House Committee on Justice in the course of impeachment proceedings,” Ridon said, stressing Congress’ constitutional authority.

Furthermore, Ridon said the records would help verify whether Duterte accurately declared her wealth in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

The subpoena covers Duterte’s tax compliance, income statements, and certified true copies of income tax returns, along with records involving her spouse.

Hearings on the impeachment case are set to begin April 14, with additional dates scheduled on April 22 and 29 for further examination of evidence and witnesses.