Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday denied owning a Jollibee franchise or any other fast-food chain franchise amid testimony in her impeachment trial linking her to GenCorp Inc., saying her investment in a company did not mean she owned, managed or operated its individual businesses.
In a statement on October 17, Duterte said she had invested in a company belonging to a legitimate business organization whose members, she said, had established reputations for integrity and good standing.
“I do not own a Jollibee franchise or any other franchise. I previously invested in a company that is part of a legitimate business organization owned and operated by individuals with an established reputation for integrity and good standing,” Duterte said.
Duterte's business interests have come under scrutiny during her Senate impeachment trial, following testimony linking her to GenCorp Industries Inc., which reportedly operates five fast-food branches in Davao City.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) records presented by prosecutors also showed her involvement in Metro City Chowfoods, a company linked to the GenCorp group.
Duterte said the reports about her alleged franchise ownership appeared to be part of a disinformation campaign, adding that basic research and due diligence would clarify the nature of her investment.
“Investing in a company does not automatically equate to owning the company itself, much less owning, managing or operating its individual businesses or franchises,” she said.
She also criticized the news report, saying it could damage her reputation and that of legitimate businesses.
“More concerning is the apparent targeting of legitimate businesses, which inevitably causes unwarranted reputational and commercial damage,” Duterte said.
She emphasized that reporting on business interests and financial dealings should be based on factual verification and a clear understanding of corporate ownership.
“Accurate reporting requires factual verification, a proper understanding of business ownership, and adherence to the basic principles of responsible journalism,” she said.
