Baste Duterte may testify in sister's impeachment trial on day 30

MANILA — House impeachment prosecutors are preparing to call Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte to the witness stand on the 30th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, according to court filings.

The mayor's testimony would focus on allegations regarding his sister's accumulation of wealth, with prosecutors expected to present evidence from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) to support their case.

The move represents an escalation in the impeachment proceedings, which have centered on questions surrounding the vice president's financial disclosures and budget allocations. Mayor Duterte's potential appearance could provide significant testimony, given his proximity to the respondent and access to relevant information.

The impeachment trial has drawn intense public attention as lawmakers weigh charges that include alleged misuse of confidential funds and failure to account for substantial portions of her office budget. The prosecution has indicated its strategy will involve multiple witnesses to establish patterns of financial irregularities.

No confirmation has been made by the vice president's defense panel regarding their response to the prosecution's witness list. The trial continues to generate controversy across the country as legislators and the public monitor developments in the high-profile case.