Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is given more time to prepare documents for his appearance before the Senate impeachment court, with Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero granting his request to testify on September 29 and 30 instead of Monday, September 28.
In a letter to the impeachment court dated Monday, Duterte says he needs additional time to “gather, organize, authenticate, and reproduce” the documents required under his subpoena. He confirms that he will appear on September 29 and 30, dates already covered by the subpoena issued to him.
“We are in receipt of a letter from Mayor Sebastian Duterte of the City of Davao dated today,” Escudero says while reading the request during the 30th day of the impeachment trial.
Escudero says Duterte’s requested appearance dates are already covered by the existing subpoena, meaning there is no need to issue a new one. He then grants the mayor’s request.
The impeachment court had earlier reset the appearances of Duterte and two other witnesses to September 28 to 30 following a scheduling conflict the previous week.
Duterte’s appearance comes as the impeachment court tackles Article II of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, which alleges “Unexplained Wealth, False SALNs, and Continued Business Interests.”
The House prosecution panel has also said Baste Duterte may testify on GenCorp Industries Inc., a company linked to the Vice President.
