Baste Duterte to testify as Davao mayor in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Baste Duterte/Facebook

PHILIPPINES – Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is set to testify before the Senate impeachment court in the trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, with prosecutors emphasizing that he is being called for his official and personal knowledge, not simply because of their family relationship.

The prosecution plans to question Baste Duterte about transactions between the Davao City government and Gencorp Industries, a company that the Vice President identified as one of her business interests in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Baste Duterte has been subpoenaed to appear before the impeachment court, with his testimony forming part of the prosecution’s presentation under Article II, which covers allegations involving the Vice President’s unexplained wealth.

House prosecution spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong stressed that Baste is being called as a witness, not a respondent, and said prosecutors are seeking information about matters he personally knows. The prosecution is also expected to ask that he be treated as a hostile witness, subject to the impeachment court’s ruling.

The Gencorp transactions are being examined as prosecutors look into the Vice President’s declared business interests and possible government dealings involving companies linked to her. Reported transactions between Gencorp and the Davao City government occurred during Baste Duterte’s tenure as mayor.

The prosecution has indicated that Baste’s testimony could help establish whether Gencorp had dealings with the city government and clarify the nature of those transactions. The defense, meanwhile, has said it is prepared to cross-examine him depending on how the prosecution presents his testimony.

Baste Duterte is scheduled to appear as the Senate impeachment court continues hearing evidence related to Article II of the impeachment complaint, while other government and corporate records are also being presented by the prosecution.