House prosec summons Baste

The House Prosecution Panel is set to present Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as a witness in the ongoing impeachment trial against his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Baste was among the public officials set to testify on Article II of the impeachment in the coming week, related to the alleged unexplained wealth of Sara and her husband, Atty. Mans Carpio.

Explaining the development in the case, House trial spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the mayor’s inclusion in the proceedings did not rest solely on his familial ties with the Vice President.

Scraping bottom

Adiong clarified that Baste would be material to Article II because he would testify on matters related to the business transactions between Gencorp and Davao City.

The company was among the business interests listed in Sara’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, which was presented to the impeachment court on Tuesday, 15 September.

“Gencorp is not a random company. It is relevant because VP Sara herself declared a business interest in the company,” Adiong said.

Prior reports linking Gencorp to Davao detailed government transactions amounting to P15.02 million between 2022 and 2025, some of which were food and catering contracts.

Given the time period, Adiong said Baste’s testimony could provide a clearer picture of whether the reports were accurate, as he said prosecutors would present additional evidence concerning the company.

“Mayor Baste was the leader of the Davao City during the relevant period, so his personal and official knowledge may be relevant,” the lawmaker said.