MANILA, Philippines — A member of the House prosecution panel confirmed that the businessman appearing in corporate filings associated with Vice President Sara Duterte is the same individual former President Rodrigo Duterte named as a special envoy to China for trade and investment in 2019.
During the 28th day of the Vice President’s Senate impeachment trial, Atty. Erwin Matib made the confirmation following an inquiry from Senator Erwin Tulfo.
“Is this the same person, base sa pag-iimbestiga dito sa House prosecution, ito ba ang same ‘Jaime Tan Cruz’ na na-appoint ng dating Pangulong Duterte as special envoy to China for trade and investment?” Tulfo asked.
“Yes, your honor. The same name, the same person,” Matib replied.
Matib further verified that the former chief executive had previously considered appointing Cruz to head the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), a position Cruz ultimately declined.
The revelation comes after Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director Gerardo del Rosario testified that JTC Group of Companies Philippines Inc., represented by Cruz, serves as the largest subscriber of GenCorp Industries Inc.
While Vice President Duterte declared GenCorp as a business interest in her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs), official records from the SEC also place Cruz as a director and shareholder alongside Duterte in Metro City Chow Foods Corporation.
The proceedings focused on Article II of the impeachment articles, which addresses allegations regarding undeclared assets, misrepresentations in SALNs, and prohibited ongoing business ties.