Senate ‘not the body’ to properly probe Duterte’s ‘ill-gotten’ wealth – Pimentel

Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

A Senate investigation on President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth would be a “tragic waste of time” and should not be allowed if the purpose is only to land in the news, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Monday.

Pimentel was reacting to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s move to ask the Senate to look into alleged bank accounts under the name of Duterte and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: Trillanes to prod Senate to probe Duterte’s ‘ill-gotten’ wealth

“Before, he (Trillanes) tried it against Pulong Duterte and Mans Carpio. Now it’s the same thing against other members of the Duterte family,” the Senate leader said in a text message.

Pulong is presidential son and former Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte while Mans Carpio is Sara’s husband. Trillanes have also linked Paolo and Mans Carpio into the P6.4 billion shabu shipment fiasco at the Bureau of Customs.

READ: Trillanes: ‘Dragon-like’ tattoo links Paolo Duterte to ‘triad’

“If he really has the evidence then he should bring an actual case in the proper body. (The) Senate is not the body for that. We are part of legislative action,” Pimentel said.

“But if this is part of just making this issue land in the news then this should not be allowed. It will be a tragic waste of time by the Senate,” he added.  /kga

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