MANILA, Philippines — House prosecutors intend to rely on public documents to bolster allegations of conflict of interest against Vice President Sara Duterte regarding her declared stake in Gencorp Industries Inc., Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong confirmed.
Speaking in a television interview, the prosecution panel spokesperson explained that official records will clarify commercial dealings between the Davao-based firm and the Davao City government while the Vice President’s brother, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, held office as city mayor.
“These are official records because if you do the competitive bidding, of course there’s the records, there’s the custodian of all the records, financial transactions, because what was used there are public funds,” Adiong said.
The prosecution team has issued a subpoena for the Vice President’s younger brother to testify under Article II of the impeachment complaint, which focuses on alleged unexplained wealth.
Panel members clarified that the mayor was called due to his direct knowledge of municipal transactions rather than his family relation to the Vice President.
Gencorp became a key focus after the Vice President listed a business interest in the firm within her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
Prosecutors intend to cross-reference her financial disclosures with municipal records showing Gencorp secured ₱14.32 million in local catering and food supply contracts between 2022 and 2025.
“Ang position naman ng prosecution panel is to really lay to the court and to the people. If this is being done during her tenure, how sure are we that once she gets elected as President, for example, and then she will not do the same?” he said.
“I think the level of impunity is there,” he added.
Adiong emphasized that prosecutors are scrutinizing the procurement process because public funds were utilized, creating a clear paper trail.
He added that the claims rest on verified documentation rather than unbacked claims, noting the Vice President’s own official disclosures.
“It’s not really an allegation because it’s reflected in her SALN,” said Adiong.