Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte confirmed during the 31st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that he had delegated authority to a city official to sign contracts on his behalf.
During direct examination by House private prosecutor Theodore “Ted” Te, Baste acknowledged that Attorney Tristan Dwight Domingo, the Davao City Assistant City Administrator for Administration, had been authorized to sign awards and contracts for the city under his delegated authority as mayor.
Te asked whether Domingo had the authority to sign contracts for the City of Davao on his behalf.
“Yes. I named him as my representative,” Baste said.
Baste also confirmed that the authority was formally delegated to Domingo and that contracts signed by the city official were executed under the mayor’s authority, including his authority as head of the procuring entity.
Te then asked whether the delegation was made so Baste would not have to personally sign every contract subjected to bidding, allowing him to devote more time to his other responsibilities as mayor.
“That is true,” Baste replied.
However, when Te asked whether he was personally aware of all the contracts signed by Domingo on his behalf, Baste clarified that he was not aware of every transaction.
“Not all,” Baste said.
Asked whether there were contracts signed by Domingo that he had not personally seen, Baste explained that he would become aware of a transaction if it reached his table or if there was an irregularity.
“No, if it comes to my table. Yes, I would be aware of it. If there is an irregularity, then I would be aware of it,” Baste said.
Te then connected Baste’s testimony to contracts previously mentioned in the proceedings, noting that the documents covered by his statement dated September 21 did not carry his personal signature.
“That’s correct,” Baste confirmed.
He likewise confirmed that the contracts were signed by Domingo pursuant to the delegated authority granted by the mayor.
“Yes,” Baste said.
When Te asked whether he had revoked Domingo’s signing authority, Baste answered, “No.”
Te then clarified that Domingo continued to possess the authority to sign contracts on behalf of the mayor.
“Yes,” Baste replied.
Baste’s testimony formed part of the prosecution’s examination into transactions involving the Davao City government and companies linked to the impeachment allegations against his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
