Arya News - The Philippine House lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky” Luistro, said recent findings starkly contrasted with the family’s public image of modest living.
MANILA – House lead prosecutor, Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky” Luistro, on Tuesday questioned the Duterte family’s image of simple living amid reports of alleged mansions and expensive purchases linked to the family.
“They tried to give an impression to us na sila ay simpleng pamilya lang na may simpleng buhay, but how can we characterize them as simple people kung meron silang mansion, meron silang his and hers (swimming pools), sabi ng NBI,” Luistro said at a press briefing.
“This is not simple living, I believe,” she added.
Luistro cited findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concerning properties allegedly linked to the Duterte family, including a mansion in Davao City reportedly equipped with two swimming pools and a helipad.
She said these findings contrasted with the family’s public image of modest living.
“So, you see the contrast between the revelations today and the picture that they depicted in the past,” Luistro said.
She recalled images of former President Rodrigo Duterte sleeping under a mosquito net and eating at roadside eateries, as well as Vice President Sara Z. Duterte eating street food and at Jollibee (a popular fast-food chain in the country).
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Luistro also pointed to the Vice President’s declared interest in GenCorp Industries Inc., a company linked to five Jollibee branches in Davao City.
Duterte has denied personally owning Jollibee franchises, saying her investment in a corporation does not mean she directly owns its businesses.
Luistro also cited credit card transactions involving Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, including a restaurant bill of about P200,000 and purchases at Nike stores.
Carpio has said the expenses included meals and purchases paid for on behalf of companions who later shared the costs.
Luistro urged the NBI to investigate further to determine the ownership of the properties and the circumstances behind the spending.
“Perhaps we should look into this pa. The NBI should look into this deeper para makita natin kung ano ba talaga ang katotohanan sa likod ng mga ari-arian, ng mga mansion, mga resort, etong malalaking bills sa kanilang credit cards,” she said.
The House prosecution has completed its presentation of evidence on the remaining impeachment charge against Duterte involving alleged unexplained wealth.
The trial resumes Nov. 9, when the defense is expected to begin presenting its witnesses.
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