Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian questioned why GenCorp Industries Inc., a company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte, repeatedly won contracts from the Davao City government during the 31st day of her impeachment trial.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte testified that GenCorp had secured 19 contracts from the Davao City local government over a five-year period from 2022 to 2026.
Gatchalian asked whether Baste had questioned Deputy City Administrator Tristan Domingo, whom the mayor had authorized to sign contracts on his behalf, about GenCorp’s repeated contract awards.
“I do not know. He is behind me but 19 in a span of 5 years is, tingin ko, hindi ganun karami in the total volume,” Baste said.
Gatchalian then asked whether Baste had asked Domingo why GenCorp kept winning contracts despite the presence of other catering companies.
Baste said he had discussed the matter with Domingo, who reportedly told him that GenCorp was the most qualified bidder and had complied with all requirements.
“His answer was simply because they were the most qualified and they complied with all the requirements,” Baste said.
Gatchalian cited his experience with the Valenzuela City government, where he said numerous catering companies typically participated in bidding processes.
He then asked Baste whether he had specifically questioned why GenCorp repeatedly emerged as the winner.
“I have already given you the answer,” Baste replied.
Gatchalian also asked how many times GenCorp had been the lone bidder.
“Hindi naman po parati,” Baste said.
When asked to give the number, Baste estimated that GenCorp had been the lone bidder four times.
GenCorp had been declared by Vice President Sara Duterte in her SALN for two years. Subsequently, its contracts with the Davao City government had been examined by the impeachment court in relation to allegations under Article II of the impeachment complaint.
