AMLC clarifies what suspicious transaction reports mean in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 06, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook

A suspicious transaction report does not, by itself, establish that a crime was committed, according to Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Buenaventura made the clarification while facing questions from defense lawyer Mark Vinluan on the 34th day of the proceedings. He explained that banks are required to report transactions they consider unusual or potentially suspicious, but the filing of such a report is not a legal finding that the money involved came from an illegal source.

The AMLC official said determining whether a transaction actually involves unlawful activity requires further analysis and investigation. Ultimately, the question of illegality is for the proper authorities and courts to determine.

The clarification came as the Senate impeachment court examined AMLC records involving Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. The records showed a combined P4.4 billion in covered and suspicious transactions from 2007 to 2025, including P1.63 billion in inflows and about P1.3 billion in outflows.

Some transactions were flagged by banks for possible links to allegations involving graft and corruption, drug trafficking and malversation of public funds. However, the AMLC testimony itself did not establish that the transactions were illegal or that the funds were proceeds of a crime.

The distinction became a key point during the defense’s questioning, as the prosecution continues to use financial records as part of its case concerning Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth.

Duterte’s camp has likewise argued that the AMLC testimony does not prove that money attributed to the Vice President was illegally sourced, concealed or even owned by her.

The proceedings are expected to continue examining the financial records, with the Senate impeachment court weighing the evidence presented by both sides.