World

Baste Duterte to Testify in Sister's Impeachment Trial

Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte is set to testify regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged wealth at her impeachment trial.

29 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

AI-generatedWritten by an AI system, editorially responsible — how we work

Baste Duterte to Testify in Sister's Impeachment Trial — Photo: Presidential Communications Operations Office · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte will take the witness stand during the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, as scheduled for September 29 and 30. The Senate impeachment court granted his request to reschedule his appearance after initially being directed to testify earlier. According to Sen. Francis Escudero, the presiding officer, this adjustment allows for the inclusion of relevant records, including contracts related to Gencorp Industries, as part of Mayor Duterte's testimony.

On Day 30 of the impeachment trial, there was a notable development when the court voted to adjust the conviction threshold for the Vice President's impeachment, deciding that only 13 votes were necessary from the participating senator-judges. This change reflects a shift from the previous requirement of 16 votes, enhancing the procedural landscape of the trial.

The House prosecution panel is expected to focus on allegations surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte's unexplained wealth, with Baste Duterte's testimony being a key component in their case. Observers noted that the testimony may provide insight into government transactions involving Gencorp Industries, a business interest declared by the Vice President.

Archive photo: Baste Duterte to Testify in Sister's Impeachment Trial — Archive photoPhoto: J Melchor Quintain Jr. · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV attended the impeachment trial, reportedly in connection with his role as a witness for the prosecution. His presence indicates ongoing public interest in the proceedings, especially regarding the implications of the Duterte family's dealings in public service and business affairs.

With Baste Duterte's subpoena officially issued, he has complied by appearing at the Senate, marking the continuation of testimonies that aim to clarify pertinent issues surrounding Sara Duterte's financial disclosures. Mayor Duterte's insights are anticipated to add depth to the prosecution's case as the trial progresses into a crucial phase.

As the trial unfolds, the dynamics among the prosecution and defense teams remain complex, with both sides preparing for further examinations. The outcome of Baste Duterte's testimony could significantly impact the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

This item was written by an AI system on the basis of the headlines and short teasers of the independently operating newsrooms named below. We disclose this under Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act). Before publication we check origin and verifiability — anything that appears in only one place is not published — as well as language, substance and legally sensitive content. No separate substantive review of each individual item by a natural person takes place; we therefore do not rely on the exemption in Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of the AI Act. Editorial responsibility for this publication rests with the person named in the imprint (§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV). Please report errors to [email protected] — we will correct or remove the item. Full reports are available from the sources listed.