By Wilnard Bacelonia
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has until Tuesday to complete and authenticate local government records subpoenaed in the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Z. Sara Duterte.
Presiding officer Francis Escudero on Monday granted Duterte’s request to move his appearance from Sept. 28 to Sept. 29 and 30 after the mayor said he needed more time to gather, authenticate and reproduce the required documents.
“The presiding officer grants the request of Mayor Duterte to appear tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday,” Escudero told the Senate impeachment court.
Escudero said no new subpoena was necessary because Sept. 29 and 30 are already covered by the court order directing Duterte to appear Sept. 28 to 30.
Prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon confirmed that the prosecution would present the mayor on Tuesday.
The subpoena also directs Mayor Duterte to bring certified and electronic copies of city government records covering contracts and transactions with GenCorp Industries Inc. and corporations or entities that own or operate establishments of fast-food chain Jollibee.
GenCorp has figured in the prosecution’s presentation of evidence after the Vice President declared an interest in the company in her 2024 and 2025 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
Records from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System earlier showed government contracts awarded to GenCorp, including transactions with the Davao City government, prompting prosecutors to seek the mayor’s testimony and the underlying city records.
The mayor’s appearance Tuesday will allow prosecutors to question him directly on the city’s dealings with the company and authenticate records produced in response to the subpoena.
