Senate impeachment court subpoenas Mayor Baste Duterte as witness in his sister's trial

The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday issued a subpoena commanding Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to testify as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Personnel from the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms personally delivered the order to the Davao City Mayor’s Office on Tuesday.

Under the directive, Mayor Duterte is required to appear before the Senate tribunal from September 28 to 30 at 10:00 a.m. to testify on matters crucial to the charges filed against the vice president.

“You are hereby commanded to appear before the Senate Impeachment Court… to testify your knowledge in the case which is before the Court in which the House of Representatives has impeached Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte,” the order read.

Alongside his physical appearance, the tribunal directed the Davao mayor to submit certified true copies and electronic versions of official city government records concerning all contracts and transactions with Gencorp Industries Inc.

The subpoena further demands city records involving "any corporation or other entity that owns or operates a Jollibee branch or establishment" within Davao City.

The requested records stem from discrepancies in the vice president's financial disclosures.

While Vice President Sara Duterte declared herself a stakeholder in Gencorp Industries in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings do not list her as one of the company's incorporators.

This marks the second subpoena issued to the Davao City Mayor's Office for the trial.

The impeachment court recalled an earlier directive after the prosecution panel adjusted its schedule for presenting witnesses.

-Paraluman News