GenCorp Counsel Disputes Duterte's Stockholder Claims at Senate Trial

MANILA – GenCorp Industries Inc.'s legal counsel challenged the evidentiary weight of Vice President Sara Duterte's claimed stockholder status during the Senate impeachment court proceedings on Wednesday. Atty. Suzette Balucanag-Punay, testifying for the defense, argued that Duterte's unilateral assertion of ownership does not constitute proof of actual shareholding in the company. The testimony centered on discrepancies between Duterte's public declarations and the corporation's official records regarding her stake in GenCorp. Balucanag-Punay maintained that formal documentation and corporate records, rather than individual declarations, serve as the basis for determining legitimate stock ownership. The defense counsel's testimony adds complexity to questions surrounding Duterte's financial interests and compliance with requirements under the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), which public officials must file annually.