APRIL 29, 2026 — The House Committee on Justice has voted 38–6 to keep the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s sealed box of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio’s tax records unopened, leaving the decision to the Senate impeachment court. This move has sparked debate over transparency, accountability, and whether Congress is shirking its constitutional duty.

On April 29, the House justice panel faced one of its most contentious decisions yet in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The green box, submitted by the BIR, contains years of tax returns and VAT records of Duterte, Carpio, and their businesses from 2007 to 2025. Lawmakers subpoenaed these documents to probe allegations of unexplained wealth and discrepancies in Duterte’s SALNs. 

Yet, despite the weight of the evidence, the majority chose caution over confrontation.

Only six members, led by Rep. Leila de Lima, pushed to open the box, arguing that impeachment supersedes statutory confidentiality. 

“The constitutional duty vested upon this body cannot be impeded, curtailed, or conditioned by statute,” she declared. 

But 38 lawmakers, including allies like Rep. Chel Diokno, voted to keep it sealed, citing fears of legal challenges and technicalities. Even Deputy Speaker Jay-Jay Suarez warned that opening the box prematurely could derail the proceedings.

For Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., keeping the box sealed was about timing. 

“Hayaan nating ang Senado ang mag bukas nito bilang bahagi ng impeachment trial para buksan ang katotohanan sa tamang panahon ng paglilitis. Huwag nating pangunahan ang proseso para sa kapakanan ng ating legal system at ng ating bansa,” he insisted.

(Let the Senate open it during the trial to reveal the truth at the proper time. Let’s not preempt the process for the sake of our legal system and our nation.)

But outside the halls of Congress, groups like Bayan were far less patient. 

“Congress’ decision not to open the BIR box is saddening,” said Bayan Secretary-General Mong Palatino, stressing that accountability and transparency should outweigh political caution. 

Protesters in Quezon City demanded that the case be transmitted to the Senate without delay.

The sealed box has become a symbol of the larger struggle between secrecy and accountability. The impeachment complaints already allege billions in suspicious transactions flagged by the AMLC, raising questions about undeclared wealth. Yet the refusal to open the tax records leaves the public in suspense, fueling speculation about what might be hidden inside.

This decision also lays bare the tension between legal caution and political responsibility. 

Should lawmakers prioritize protecting the process from technical challenges, or should they risk it all to show the people they are serious about uncovering the truth?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)