Duterte denies business dealings with VP sister over city contracts

Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte faced intensive questioning Tuesday over 19 city government contracts valued at P33.2 million that were awarded to GenCorp Industries Inc., a firm his sister Vice President Sara Duterte declared as a business interest in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

During his testimony, Duterte denied having any business conversations with the Vice President regarding the contracts or the company. He maintained that his municipal government's transactions with GenCorp were handled through standard procurement processes.

The contracts in question span various city services and supplies provided by GenCorp Industries Inc. The prosecution pressed Duterte on the circumstances surrounding the awards and any potential coordination between his office and the Vice President's business interests.

The inquiry forms part of broader investigations into potential conflicts of interest and improper government dealings. Duterte's testimony was closely monitored as it addresses the intersection of government contracts and the declared business interests of a sitting high official.