DAY 31: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Today is the 31st day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expected to take the witness stand and testify on Davao City government transactions involving GenCorp Industries, as the Senate continues hearing Article II on alleged unexplained wealth.
10:37 a.m. - Mayor Duterte confirms he is the Head of Procuring Entity (HOPE) for Davao City. He also confirms that he authorized a certain Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo to sign contracts for the city on his behalf.
10:27 a.m. - Senator-judge and Presiding Officer Francis Escudero says the adverse interest of the witness has been established and declares him a hostile witness. Te is allowed to ask leading questions.
10:23 a.m. - Te requests the impeachment court to characterize Mayor Duterte as a hostile witness and allow the prosecution to ask leading questions. Gular says the prosecution was not able to qualify Duterte as a hostile witness.
10:21 a.m. - Mayor Duterte says he attended the trial only because he was subpoenaed.
10:21 a.m. - Mayor Duterte also confirms a statement dated Sep. 21, 2026 posted on Facebook. The statement says, "Let us be vigilant in managing information and not fall pray to deceptive claims and orchestrated narratives engineered solely to serve political motives that suit personal interests and promote disunity."
10:18 a.m. - Te asks Mayor Duterte if he recalls having made statements describing the impeachment court in his interviews with the media. Duterte says he does not remember. Te shows the witness a social media post regarding the mentioned statement. Duterte confirms making the statement, says it was his perception.
10:14 a.m. - Te states his Offer of Testimony.
10:10 a.m. - Mayor Duterte is called to the witness stand.
10:09 a.m. - Atty. Theodore “Ted” Te will do the direct examination of Mayor Duterte. Atty. Justin Gular will represent the defense team.
10:09 a.m. - Lead defense counsel Atty. Sheila Sison says they also need time to look at the documents. Senator-judge and Presiding Officer Francis Escudero directs the clerk of court to produce copies for the parties.
10:07 a.m. - House Prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno asks the impeachment court for a few minutes to peruse the documents brought by Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte.
10:05 a.m. - Quorum is declared with 18 senator-judges present.
10:02 a.m. - Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV arrives in the Senate, says he is here as a guest
10:01 a.m. - Day 31 of the #VPOnTrial is called to order.
LIVE UPDATES: Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial (Day 30)