CRIMINOLOGY GRAD AKO! Robin Pinag-paliwanag ang AMLC. #attybuenoexplains

During Day 34 of the Senate impeachment trial (October 6, 2026), Senator-Judge Robin Padilla questioned AMLC Executive Director Atty. Ronel Buenaventura on the exact procedural stage of the AMLC's work regarding the bank transactions linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases Carpio. 1. Sen. Padilla’s Question (Criminology Framework) Drawing from his background in criminology studies, Padilla outlined a 4-stage law enforcement framework: Inquiry Investigation Evaluation Conclusion Padilla directly asked Atty. Buenaventura: "Kayo po sa AMLC, asan na po kayo doon?" (Where is the AMLC currently operating within these stages regarding VP Sara's transactions?) 2. AMLC Exec. Dir. Buenaventura’s Answer Financial Evaluation / Financial Analysis Stage: Atty. Buenaventura clarified that the AMLC is currently in the evaluation / financial inquiry stage. Not Yet a Final Conclusion: He explained that the agency is gathering, processing, and evaluating bank reports (STRs and CTRs) sent by financial institutions. The records presented represent raw financial intelligence data and ongoing financial analysis—meaning the agency has not yet reached a final judicial conclusion or formal complaint against the Vice President. 3. Legal and Strategic Significance For the Defense: Padilla's line of questioning highlighted that the AMLC’s testimony consists of preliminary evaluation data rather than a completed investigation, supporting the defense's argument that the bank report summaries are not final findings of guilt or money laundering. For the Prosecution: The response confirmed that the AMLC was actively evaluating the red flags and transaction patterns reported by banks, justifying why the records were submitted to the Senate impeachment court as baseline evidence.