Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian clarifies that holding Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte in contempt over missing the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will depend on the reasons behind his absence.
Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian has stated that while Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte may be held in contempt if he fails to attend the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, any contempt sanction will not be immediate. Gatchalian explained that the Senate will first assess the reasons for the mayor’s absence to determine if they are valid before proceeding.
Mayor Duterte was subpoenaed due to concerns involving GenCorp Industries Inc., a company declared by the Vice President in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, which secured contracts worth approximately 30 million Philippine pesos with the Davao City government. The impeachment court has also ordered Mayor Duterte to provide certified true copies of official records from the Davao City Government since 2020, including contracts with GenCorp Industries and any business operating Jollibee branches.
When asked about the mayor’s compliance, Gatchalian noted that no confirmation had been received about his appearance. Regarding security, preparations are underway by the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms to maintain safety throughout the impeachment trial proceedings. Mayor Duterte has previously stated that he was unaware of his sister’s connection to GenCorp Industries, Inc.
This development underscores Senate prudence in managing procedural fairness during high-profile impeachment trials, balancing the enforcement of subpoenas with reasonable considerations of individual circumstances.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1003591/baste-duterte-to-be-held-in-contempt-not-right-away-win-gatchalian/story/
