The Vice President Business Ban under the 1987 Philippine Constitution was highlighted by Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros during the 42nd day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as lawmakers examined allegations concerning her financial interests and investment-related transactions.
During the proceedings, Hontiveros questioned defense witness Atty. Suzette Balucanag-Punay about a constitutional provision that prohibits a sitting vice president from directly or indirectly engaging in any business while in office.
The senator raised the issue in connection with investments and financial interests that have been linked to Duterte and are currently being examined by the impeachment court.
When asked whether she was aware of the constitutional restriction, Balucanag-Punay responded that she was not certain about the provision.
Hontiveros then stressed that the prohibition is clearly stated in the Constitution.
“Even I, who am not a lawyer, I am sure,” the senator remarked during the hearing.
Balucanag-Punay later acknowledged that such a provision exists under the Constitution.
Under Article VII, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution, the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants are prohibited from directly or indirectly engaging in any business or holding certain financial interests while serving in office.
The discussion also revisited the alleged P2.14 million received by Duterte from GenCorp Industries Inc. as a return of capital between 2022 and 2025, based on corporate records cited in Balucanag-Punay’s testimony.
Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel for GenCorp Industries Inc., appeared before the Senate impeachment court as the fourth witness presented by the defense panel.
The impeachment court continues to examine whether the transactions cited during the hearings have any connection to allegations involving business interests, financial dealings, and potential constitutional violations attributed to the vice president.
The exchange formed part of the broader inquiry into claims of unexplained wealth and financial interests, which are among the issues being scrutinized in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.