Defense lawyer Michael Poa clarified Monday that Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is not a witness for the defense in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Poa said he has not directly coordinated with the mayor regarding his appearance before the Senate impeachment court because Duterte is not part of the defense’s witness lineup.

“Mayor Baste is not our witness. I personally don’t coordinate with him because he’s not our witness,” Poa said.

He said the defense is preparing for possible cross-examination after listening to the prosecution’s direct examination of the mayor.

“Siyempre papakinggan natin kasi hindi rin naman alam kung anong itatanong ng prosecution although siyempre may idea na tayo lahat ukol saan yon,” Poa said.

“Naghahanda kami for cross-examination kung sakali may kailangan pang i-clarify.”

The Senate impeachment court subpoenaed Baste Duterte to testify and present Davao City government records concerning financial transactions linked to his sister.

Poa said the defense has no information on whether Baste Duterte would appear Monday. He noted that the mayor had written the impeachment court requesting to be scheduled to testify Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“We’re expecting him tomorrow,” Poa said.

Poa also said the defense has not discussed whether Vice President Duterte would attend the trial to support her brother when he testifies.

“Wala kaming napagusapan na ganon,” he said, adding that even the vice president could not say when or whether the mayor would arrive.

The mayor’s testimony is expected to address issues involving financial transactions cited by the prosecution in support of its allegations concerning the vice president’s alleged unexplained wealth.