Lawyers for Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, issued a warning to journalists regarding the potential criminal liability under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). This follows the release of the couple's financial records during a congressional hearing.
The House of Representatives Committee on Justice revealed that Carpio and Duterte's bank transactions totaled P6.7 billion over two decades. This raised questions about discrepancies with the vice president's statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
In an attempt at damage control, Carpio filed a lawsuit against the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the central bank, and House committee members, alleging violations of bank secrecy laws.
During a press conference, Carpio's lawyer, Peter Paul Danao, cautioned journalists that they could face lawsuits if they disclosed information from the AMLC report.
As a lawyer, I have to warn that, even under the AMLC, the media is being prohibited. You have to be careful in citing the AMLC report.
Peter Paul Danao
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) criticized this intimidation tactic. Chairman Jonathan de Santos stated that even the mere suggestion of legal action could deter journalists from reporting on issues of public interest.
Danao's warning contradicts constitutional protections for the media. The 1987 Constitution mandates that inquiries in aid of legislation are public and that the press has the right to report on them.
Legal experts argue that the media's responsibility to report on congressional hearings is protected by law, rendering Danao's claims legally weak. The Supreme Court has historically upheld the press's right to ensure government transparency.
Given that the AMLC disclosed the financial information during a public hearing, the argument for confidentiality is undermined. Carpio and his legal team may also be aware that constitutional guarantees take precedence over statutory law.