Senate impeachment court subpoenas Davao mayor in VP Duterte trial

MANILA — The Senate impeachment court formally served a subpoena on Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte on Tuesday, requiring him to appear as a witness for the prosecution in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Two members of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms traveled to Davao City to personally deliver the court order.

The subpoena marks a significant development in the high-profile case against the Vice President, who faces impeachment charges in the Senate. The prosecution panel has identified the Davao City mayor as a key witness expected to provide testimony relevant to the proceedings.

As a sibling of the respondent, Mayor Duterte's testimony carries particular significance given family dynamics and his position as a prominent provincial official. His appearance before the impeachment court is now legally mandated, with potential consequences for non-compliance.

The impeachment trial continues to unfold amid intense public scrutiny and political interest across the nation. The court's decision to call the Vice President's brother as a prosecution witness underscores the scope and complexity of the case being heard before the Senate.