Metro Manila, Philippines – The House justice committee decided against opening the box of tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Mans Carpio, at the impeachment hearing on Wednesday, April 29.

“Let it be placed on record that the committee will not open the box,” panel chair Rep. Jinky Luistro said after announcing the votes of 38 members who were against the motion.

Only six were in favor of scrutinizing the tax records, namely Mamayang Liberal Rep. Rep. Leila de Lima, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co, Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Tingong Rep. Jude Acidre, and Gabriela Women’s Rep. Sarah Elago.

De Lima made the motion to open the box, saying that it may strengthen the probable cause for the impeachment complaints.

The differences crossed affiliations even in the minority.

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno was against De Lima’s motion “out of an abundance of caution,” and said that it would be prudent to leave the opening of the records to the Impeachment Court.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) turned the tax records over to the House panel as part of a subpoena to retrieve documents in aid of legislation.

BIR chief Charlito Mendoza earlier informed the committee that the documents should be examined behind closed doors or through a separate legislative inquiry.

Lawmakers deferred action on the tax records.

Duterte was a no-show again on the final day of the impeachment hearing.