In a dramatic twist to the ongoing impeachment proceedings, the House prosecution team is calling on Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to testify and submit local government records regarding municipal contracts awarded to a firm tied to his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
The move comes after the Senate Impeachment Court issued a subpoena on September 16 ordering Mayor Baste to appear before lawmakers as part of the prosecution’s presentation under Article II.
Prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong explained that the panel aims to scrutinize city records alongside the Vice President’s official asset disclosures as part of their investigation into her alleged unexplained wealth.
“So meron talagang nakikita natin ng direct business interest,” Alonto Adiong said during a House press conference.
When asked why the Davao Mayor was being summoned to the stand, Alonto Adiong cited entries listed in Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) that correspond to City Hall transactions.
“So apparently ang nanalo doon sa mga portions ng mga supplies ay yung isang negosyo na isa sa may-ari ay vice president Sara Duterte,” he stated, adding, “It went through the regular competitive bidding.”
The prosecution specifically identified Gencorp Industries Inc., a company explicitly listed in the Vice President’s SALN, as the primary entity whose dealings with City Hall require closer inspection. The issued subpoena mandates the production of city contracts and documents dating back to 2020 involving Gencorp, as well as entities owning or operating local Jollibee franchises.
Mayor Baste’s appearance was initially scheduled for September 23, though Senate President and Presiding Officer Francis Escudero noted the court would gauge trial progress on September 22 to determine whether to adjust the timeline or reissue the summons.
While the prosecution panel waits for the court’s calendar to settle, Alonto Adiong emphasized that the necessary steps have been taken to secure key testimonies and official Davao City records.
“Basta ang importante po ay narequest na po yung susunod ng witnesses na ipapresenta po ng House prosecution panel,” Alonto Adiong said.