‘No violations in bank secrecy, privacy of Carpio’

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May 16, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — House lawmakers yesterday insisted that they did not violate Mans Carpio’s data privacy and bank secrecy after his bank accounts were disclosed during a House committee on justice hearing on the impeachment of his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña along with Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima yesterday went to the Quezon City prosecutor’s office to attend the preliminary investigation hearing on the charges filed by Carpio against them for alleged violation of the bank secrecy and data privacy laws.

“This is just a diversion to the real issue, for us this is harassment. We are not violating any law. This case is going nowhere,” De Lima told reporters.

Cendaña stressed that they are just doing their jobs, noting that the “threats and harassment are classic Duterte moves.”

Diokno added they are confident of their legal position and called on everyone to use the law for just and humane purposes. “We cannot weaponize the law just to silence those who are just doing their jobs,” he said.

Lawyer Neil Abayon, spokesman for Carpio, replied that the alleged illegal disclosure of bank accounts during the House hearing on the impeachment of Duterte did not respect his right to privacy.

“When they exercise their accountability of public officers to power, they must also respect the right to privacy of private individuals,” he said. “So, they disclosed AMLC records, therefore it has a corresponding penalty.”

Another preliminary investigation hearing is set to take place on May 29.

Should the case be dismissed, De Lima said they could file counter charges for damages, malicious prosecution, even perjury.

Senate coup

The recent shift in Senate leadership is linked to the impeachment of Duterte, San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Zamora said yesterday, adding that one was bound to have consequences on the other.

“We are not saying that this is isolated from the impeachment. It was clear that the coup last Monday was done for the impeachment or to have an effect on the impeachment,” Zamora said over dzMM.

She noted that most members of the new Senate majority are known allies of Duterte, many of whom had already expressed negative opinions on the impeachment.

For Zamora, the Senate shake-up, the shooting inside its halls and the reports surrounding Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s supposed escape “all cast a shadow on the impeachment trial, whether intended or not.”

House prepares

The prosecution team of the House of Representatives is now preparing its moves ahead of the convening of the impeachment court for Duterte’s trial before the Senate on May 18.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, one of the 11 members of the prosecution team, said they are preparing motions, witnesses, documentary evidence and counter-arguments.

Chua said the prosecution team will also work with private prosecutors and experts in constitutional law, auditing, financial forensics, corporate law and finance.

Diokno said they have received no notice yet if the prosecution team would need to attend on May 18, citing the letter of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano stating that they would be advised at a proper time on when to appear at the Senate. — Daphne Galvez