Duterte's son can testify on city dealings with firms linked to sister, says prosecutor

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte can testify before the Senate Impeachment Court regarding dealings between the local government and companies where his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, is listed as a stockholder, a member of the prosecution panel said on Wednesday. In a press briefing after Wednesday’s impeachment discussions, a counsel for the prosecution panel stated that Mayor Duterte could take the stand to clarify whether the city government had any transactions with these firms. Vice President Duterte has been identified as a stockholder in certain companies, a point that has become a subject of discussion in the impeachment proceedings. The prosecution aims to ascertain whether individuals in political office have benefited unfairly or received preferential treatment from companies linked to themselves or their families. Should Mayor Duterte's testimony materialize, it is expected to enhance transparency concerning the relationship between Davao City and the companies associated with the Vice President, as well as potential conflicts of interest. In Philippine politics, the disclosure of assets and avoidance of conflicts of interest by public officials are persistent concerns, and this matter is being closely watched within that context.