GenCorp payments scrutinized as potential conflict of interest in VP Duterte trial

MANILA — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte intensified Wednesday as the court probed potential conflicts of interest linked to payments she received from GenCorp Industries Inc., a company with lucrative food supply contracts under the Davao City government.

During proceedings, a defense witness—identified as GenCorp's in-house counsel—came under examination regarding the corporation's financial arrangements with Duterte. The questioning centered on whether such payments breached ethical standards or legislative requirements governing public officials' income sources.

The line of inquiry reflects broader concerns raised during the trial about Duterte's financial dealings and whether they compromised her impartiality in her previous role as Davao City mayor. GenCorp's status as a government contractor amplified questions about the appropriateness of simultaneous payments to a city executive.

The testimony formed part of the ongoing evidentiary phase of Duterte's impeachment case, with prosecution and defense teams presenting conflicting accounts of her conduct. The court is expected to continue weighing evidence regarding potential violations of conflict-of-interest statutes in coming sessions.