Gencorp scandal ensnares VP Duterte: Explanations multiply, raising further questions

The political scandal surrounding Gencorp, allegedly linked to Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, has reached a stage where explanations are multiplying and clashing with facts. While Duterte's own Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) declared a business interest in Gencorp, corporate filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) show her name absent as an incorporator, director, or stockholder. This distinction—having an interest without being listed as an owner—challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, according to Mayor Baste Duterte, Sara's younger brother and the mayor of Davao City, the city government awarded Gencorp contracts worth over P30 million (approximately $510,000 USD) starting in 2022. This figure is considerably higher than initially reported. Mayor Duterte claims he was unaware of his sister's connection to Gencorp. When corporate records contradict the Vice President's SALN, an explanation is inevitable. Questions linger about Duterte's intent in declaring an interest and why it's not reflected in the company's official documents. The Mayor's plea of ignorance regarding multi-million peso contracts involving a company allegedly connected to his sister raises questions about his governance. If a mayor is not sufficiently informed about the dealings of his own government, it prompts a fundamental inquiry into whether he is truly governing or merely occupying the office while paperwork dictates city affairs. This Gencorp issue could also impact the flow of political funds. Political money, often eyeing a return on investment, may be hesitant to back a campaign whose principal could face removal from office and disqualification from public service. Political donors are typically pragmatic rather than sentimental.