The Sara Duterte impeachment trial is drawing attention to property ownership, financial disclosures and business interests linked to Davao City as the Vice President’s defense begins presenting evidence before the Senate. The proceedings could bring further scrutiny to property records and corporate documents connected to the remaining unexplained wealth allegations.

The proceedings entered Day 40 as the defense began presenting its witnesses following the House prosecution panel’s completion of its presentation in October.

One of the latest developments involved Atty. Suzette Balucanag-Punay, corporate counsel of GenCorp Industries Inc. and Metro City Chow Foods Corp., who was unable to attend Monday’s hearing because of a previously scheduled medical examination. She is expected to testify during the defense’s scheduled hearings.

The defense is also expected to call local government officials, including assessors from Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, to provide testimony concerning property records and related documentation.

The trial is now focused on Article II of the impeachment complaint, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth, questionable asset declarations and failure to divest from business interests.

The prosecution previously presented financial documents, including Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), bank records, corporate documents and property-related records. Prosecutors have cited an estimated ₱817.88 million in alleged unexplained wealth covering 2022 to 2025.

However, the allegations remain subject to the Senate impeachment court’s evaluation. The admission of documents into evidence does not automatically establish the truth of the accusations.

The Senate earlier accepted the withdrawal of three other impeachment articles, leaving the unexplained wealth allegations as the remaining charge for consideration.

The defense presentation is expected to continue through November, with additional hearings scheduled for later this month.

As the proceedings move forward, testimony involving properties and business records connected to Davao could become an important part of the case. The Senate will ultimately determine whether the prosecution has established sufficient grounds to convict the Vice President.