Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned why Vice President Sara Duterte remained connected to a private company after taking office in 2022, pointing to her legal background and access to lawyers who could have advised her on the restrictions applicable to her position.
Tulfo raised the issue during the Senate impeachment trial as the prosecution presented evidence concerning Duterte’s continued business interests while serving as vice president.
Securities and Exchange Commission records presented during the proceedings showed that Duterte was listed as a stockholder and member of the board of directors of Metro City Chow Foods Corp. from 2022 to 2025. The records showed “Sara Z. Duterte” as holding 500 shares in the Davao-based company.
The matter is part of Article 2 of the impeachment case, which alleges that Duterte accumulated unexplained wealth through, among other acts, failing to fully disclose assets in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and continuing her business interests after assuming the vice presidency.
Tulfo’s questioning focused on Duterte’s familiarity with the law. He noted that she is a lawyer and had lawyers assisting her during her 2022 vice-presidential campaign, raising the question of why she did not take steps to divest from her business interests upon assuming office.
Former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang also testified on the restrictions governing the President and Vice President. She said the constitutional prohibition on business participation applies to both positions because of the powers attached to the offices.
Cabotaje-Tang told the impeachment court that the law requires the President or Vice President to divest upon assuming office, with the process to be completed within 30 days. She also explained that the prohibition covers both ownership interests and serving as a director or officer of a corporation.
Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution prohibits the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and their deputies or assistants from directly or indirectly practicing another profession, participating in any business, or holding financial interests in government contracts, franchises, or special privileges during their tenure.
The Senate impeachment court is examining the business records as part of the proceedings on Article 2. Duterte’s defense has disputed the prosecution’s presentation of some SEC documents, arguing that certain figures cited in the records refer to corporate transactions rather than Duterte personally.
