Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte was declared a hostile witness during the 31st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, September 29, allowing the House prosecution panel to ask him leading questions.
Private prosecutor Theodore “Ted” Te made the offer of testimony before the Senate impeachment court as Baste took the witness stand.
The impeachment court later granted the prosecution’s request after the required foundation was laid, formally allowing the prosecution to treat Baste as a hostile witness.
The ruling permits the prosecution to use leading questions during its direct examination, subject to the court’s rules. The court has similarly declared other witnesses hostile in previous proceedings.
Baste was subpoenaed to testify in connection with transactions between the Davao City government and GenCorp Industries Inc., which Vice President Sara Duterte declared as a business interest in her 2024 and 2025 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
PhilGEPS records presented in the impeachment proceedings showed 49 contracts between GenCorp and the Davao City government worth a combined ₱35.878 million, according to reports.
Before giving his testimony, Baste took his oath before the impeachment court, formally undertaking to tell the truth during the proceedings.
His appearance marked his first testimony before the Senate impeachment court in the ongoing trial of his sister.
Prosecutor Ted Te then proceeded with his direct examination, focusing on Baste’s knowledge of GenCorp and its transactions with the Davao City government, as well as issues relevant to the prosecution’s allegations involving Sara Duterte’s declared business interests and alleged unexplained wealth.
