Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared business interests, possible government contracts and registered firearms for this week’s impeachment hearings.

Counsel for the prosecution Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said at a Saturday News Forum that the presentations will depend on the progress of the hearings, with oral arguments on the two-thirds conviction threshold scheduled on Wednesday.

Tolosa said the Civil Service Commission witness would explain statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filing guidelines, while the Securities and Exchange Commission representative would address companies in which Duterte declared financial interests.

Meanwhile, a witness from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System and a representative of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Regional Office XI’s bids and awards committee will be asked about government dealings involving the Vice President’s companies.

A representative from the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office would then address the firearms registered to Duterte and her husband.

Tolosa said the testimony of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte aims to examine whether Gencorp Industries, a company identified in the Vice President’s SALN, had dealings with the city government.

The business records would also address allegations that Duterte failed to divest and participated in businesses while Vice President, he said.

The panel will also be seeking the Senate impeachment court to classify the Davao City Mayor as another hostile witness in the impeachment trial of his sister.

Once the younger Duterte is declared a hostile witness, the prosecution can ask him more “leading questions” which can be answered by “yes or no,” Tolosa said.

The impeachment court is currently discussing Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which involves the alleged unexplained wealth of the Vice President.

Tolosa also said the Senate impeachment court should apply its sub judice rule equally to the Vice President over her statement that President Marcos controls senators.

He raised the issue after he and public prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon were ordered to explain separate public statements being reviewed for possible violations of Rule 18.

Both have submitted their responses to the impeachment court.

Rule 18 requires the presiding officer, senators, prosecutors, the impeached official and their respective counsels to refrain from public comments and disclosures pertaining to the merits of a pending impeachment trial.

Tolosa said the prosecution was not seeking preferential treatment but wanted the same rule applied consistently to everyone it covers, including the Vice President.

In a Sept. 7 video message discussing her impeachment trial and other legal cases, Duterte told supporters that even if President Marcos controlled senators, prosecutors, judges and police, she had many lawyers helping her fight and win her cases.

“That is an attack against the integrity of the impeachment court, to say that the President is controlling the senators,” Tolosa said.

abtestabtest Firm in VP Sara's SALN won millions in Davao City contracts   By Cristina Chi | 11 hours ago A company that Vice President Sara Duterte declared as one of her business interests won nearly P36 million in government... Headlines Sara trial bares possible constitutional violation that SEC did not probe By Cristina Chi | 1 day ago Did Sara Duterte violate the constitutional ban on a vice president participating in business? Headlines Legarda extends medical leave for sixth time until October 9 1 day ago If she remains absent until then, she will have been away from the chamber for 72 days since her last plenary appearance on... Headlines Sara retained business stakes after becoming VP By Delon Porcalla | 1 day ago Despite constitutional prohibition, Vice President Sara Duterte retained her holdings in companies held by her family even... Headlines ‘Sara briefed on sub judice rule’ By Evelyn Macairan | 1 day ago Vice President Sara Duterte has been briefed on the impeachment court’s sub judice rule restricting statements outside... Headlines Latest More in Headlines VP-linked firms had deals with Davao government – witness Palace: No fare hike for now Marcoleta forgoes participation in impeach trial Cyclone develops outside PAR abtest Sara holds no interest in GenCorp – Baste By Diana Lhyd Suelto | 3 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte has neither kept nor maintained any interest in GenCorp Industries Inc. since she assumed the... Headlines Cyber patrols to be intensified vs online ‘grooming’ By Mark Ernest Villeza | 3 hours ago Cyber patrols will be enhanced to detect online “grooming,” recruitment and other activities exposing minors to... Headlines Philippines-EU free trade agreement seen next year By Louella Desiderio | 3 hours ago The Philippines and the European Union are expected to sign a free trade agreement next year after the conclusion of... Headlines 33% expect economy to improve in a year – SWS By Janvic Mateo | 3 hours ago Three in every 10 Filipinos expect the Philippine economy to improve in the next 12 months, according to a new survey by Social... Headlines Government OKs P2.48 billion project to upgrade national ID system By Louella Desiderio | 3 hours ago The government has approved a P2.48-billion public-private partnership project to further develop and enhance the national... Headlines Recommended VP-linked firms had deals with Davao government – witness 3 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte secured 49 government contracts worth around P35 million while serving as the second highest official... HeadlinesRENDELL SOPEñA Marcoleta forgoes participation in impeach trial 3 hours ago Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is no longer inclined to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial amid... HeadlinesRODANTE MARCOLETA Sara holds no interest in GenCorp – Baste 3 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte has neither kept nor maintained any interest in GenCorp Industries Inc. since she assumed the... HeadlinesSARA DUTERTESEBASTIAN “BASTE” DUTERTE Sara’s victimhood and endless drama September 23, 2026 - 12:00am For four years, Vice President Sara Duterte has occupied the country’s second-highest office with vast resources at her disposal. HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE Firm in VP Sara's SALN won millions in Davao City contracts   11 hours ago A company that Vice President Sara Duterte declared as one of her business interests won nearly P36 million in government... HeadlinesINDAY SARA DUTERTESARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT next Recommended VP-linked firms had deals with Davao government – witness Vice President Sara Duterte secured 49 government contracts worth around P35 million while serving as the second highest official of the country, the bulk of which was with the local government of Davao City where her brother Sebastian is mayor, a prosecution witness testified yesterday. 3 hours ago RENDELL SOPEñA Marcoleta forgoes participation in impeach trial Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is no longer inclined to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial amid ongoing discussions to count out absent senators like him in the voting threshold to convict. 3 hours ago RODANTE MARCOLETA Sara holds no interest in GenCorp – Baste Vice President Sara Duterte has neither kept nor maintained any interest in GenCorp Industries Inc. since she assumed the post in 2022, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte insisted. 3 hours ago SARA DUTERTE SEBASTIAN “BASTE” DUTERTE Sara’s victimhood and endless drama For four years, Vice President Sara Duterte has occupied the country’s second-highest office with vast resources at her disposal. 3 hours ago SARA DUTERTE Firm in VP Sara's SALN won millions in Davao City contracts   A company that Vice President Sara Duterte declared as one of her business interests won nearly P36 million in government contracts during her term, almost a third from the Davao City government, a procurement official testified on Tuesday, September 22. 11 hours ago INDAY SARA DUTERTE SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!