Baste Duterte testifies as hostile witness in sis VP Sara’s impeachment trial

September 29, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte was considered a hostile witness as he took the stand in his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte’s, impeachment trial on Tuesday.

Sebastian was deemed a hostile witness after private prosecutor Theodor Te cited his statements criticizing his sister’s impeachment trial.

Te said Sebastian has publicly prejudged the case as political persecution.

Defense counsel Justin Gular objected, saying the prosecution had not shown sufficient basis to qualify Sebastian as hostile.

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero granted the prosecution’s bid to declare Sebastian hostile, allowing it to ask leading, but not misleading, questions.

Escudero noted that Sebastian might also be exposed to charges of violation of relevant laws if the allegations of the prosecution are proven.

Sebastian was summoned upon the prosecution’s request in relation to the Davao City government’s contracts with Gencorp Industries Inc., a firm linked to his sister.