Prosecution to ask impeachment court to declare Baste Duterte a hostile witness

The Prosecution Panel will ask the Senate impeachment court to declare Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte a hostile witness in the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Prosecution panel spokesperson Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said Saturday that the request would allow the panel to more directly question the younger Duterte as it examines allegations involving the Vice President’s wealth.

Tolosa said the prosecution wants to find out if there is a connection between the companies the Vice President declared in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and the Davao City government.

The Senate impeachment court announced on Wednesday that it had issued a subpoena to Davao City mayor, requiring him to appear as a witness.

The court is currently tackling Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns the alleged unexplained wealth of the Vice President.

According to Tolosa, the prosecution will argue that Baste Duterte’s interests are adverse to those of the panel, a basis it intends to use in seeking his designation as a hostile witness.

Tolosa explained being declared a hostile witness would give prosecutors greater latitude in questioning him, including the use of more leading questions that can elicit direct “yes or no” answers.

Aside from the younger Duterte, the House prosecution panel has lined up several government officials to testify under Article II.

An assistant commissioner from the Civil Service Commission is expected to explain the rules and guidelines governing the filing of SALNs, while a representative from the Securities and Exchange Commission will be asked to establish whether the Vice President has financial interests in certain companies.

The prosecution also listed representatives from PhilHealth Region XI and its bids and awards committee to examine the agency’s transactions with companies allegedly linked to the Duterte family.

A representative from the Philippine National Police firearms and explosives office is likewise expected to provide information on firearms registered under the names of Vice President Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.