Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte appeared before the Senate impeachment court on September 29 to testify in the ongoing impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Baste’s appearance came after the impeachment court granted his request to move his testimony from September 28 to September 29 and 30. He had asked for additional time to gather, authenticate and reproduce documents covered by the court’s subpoena.
The subpoena requires the mayor to bring certified and electronic copies of Davao City government records involving contracts and transactions with GenCorp Industries Inc., as well as corporations or entities operating Jollibee establishments. GenCorp is relevant to the prosecution’s presentation because Sara Duterte declared an interest in the company in her 2024 and 2025 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
The prosecution is questioning Baste in connection with Article II of the impeachment case, which alleges that the Vice President accumulated unexplained wealth. The allegations include claims that she failed to fully disclose assets and financial interests in her SALNs and did not divest from business interests while serving as vice president. Sara Duterte has denied the allegations and described the impeachment case as politically motivated.
Before his testimony, Baste had said that the Davao City government’s transactions with GenCorp were processed in accordance with procurement rules. He also said he was not aware of his sister’s connection to the company.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the Senate impeachment court declared Baste a hostile witness after the prosecution established that he had an adverse interest in the case. The designation allows prosecutors to ask him leading questions under the court’s rules.
Baste also took an oath before beginning his testimony. The prosecution is using his appearance both to question him about Davao City’s dealings with GenCorp and to authenticate government records obtained through the subpoena.
The mayor’s testimony forms part of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence on the unexplained-wealth allegations. The impeachment court continues to examine financial records, government contracts and other evidence as the trial proceeds.
