Baste Duterte says Sara didn’t ask to favor Gencorp, intervene in procurement

WITNESS. Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte takes the witness stand on Day 31 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on September 29, 2026.

Senate Social Media Unit

The Davao City mayor also denies having personal knowledge of his sister's business interests

MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte testified before the impeachment court on Tuesday, September 29, that Vice President Sara Duterte noted did not interfere in his city government’s procurement process, more so asked him to favor Gencorp Industries, Inc. in deals.

Responding to questions from his older sister’s defense team, Baste denied that the Vice President directly or indirectly intervened or participated in any procurement of the Davao City local government unit.

“So you confirm that there is also no request for favor, particularly for Gencorp Industries, Inc.?” defense deputy spokesperson and counsel Justin Nichol Gular asked the mayor.

“No,” Baste replied.

“No particular request for accommodation, particularly for GenCorp Industries, Inc.? No request or special treatment for GenCorp Industries, Inc.?” Gular added. “None,” the Davao City mayor said in response.

For his last question during the cross-examination, Gular asked Baste that as the brother of the Vice President who has known her for years, did he think that it’s in her character seek special favors in relation to government procurement deals?

Counsel for the prosecution Theodore Te objected, saying that Gular’s question calls for a conclusion and violates the character and opinion rule. However, presiding officer Chiz Escudero overruled the objection and allowed Gular’s final question.

“Now, being the brother of the Vice President herself, having known her for years, do you think that it is in her character as a person and as a politician to request for any favor, accommodation, or special treatment in relation to government contracts of a corporation?” the defense lawyer asked, repeating his question.

“No,” said Baste.

The prosecution is in the middle of presenting its evidence on the Vice President’s alleged unexplained wealth — the third article of impeachment against her. The prosecution is scrutinizing Gencorp because it is allegedly linked to Duterte.

A Rappler investigation revealed that Gencorp cornered P15 million in food and catering contracts from Davao City Hall and PhilHealth between 2022 and 2025 — the years when Baste is sitting as mayor. The Dutertes — from Rodrigo to Baste — have been ruling Davao City for almost 40 years. (READ: Sara Duterte’s company won millions’ worth of contracts from Davao City Hall)

The prosecution presented Baste as a hostile witness on Tuesday to show alleged conflict of interest in these deals. This is because Baste is sitting as mayor and head of the procurement agency, and yet Gencorp was able to corner contracts from the city hall.

During the cross, Baste also denied having personal knowledge of his sister’s business interests, and of any information where she has stock holdings or investments in, as well corporations she has beneficial ownership of.

The Davao City mayor also claimed that he did not have personal knowledge of his sister’s disclosure in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

“And for the record, why don’t you have personal knowledge on these matters despite being the brother of the vice president?” Gular asked.

“We simply do not discuss this. And I did not ask. It’s her privacy,” Baste responded.

“And again, for the record, why don’t you have any personal knowledge on this?” Gular again told Baste when he asked about the SALN question.

“It’s not my responsibility to know this,” Baste replied. – Rappler.com