Vice President Sara Duterte is under investigation for alleged unexplained wealth involving Gencorp Industries Inc., a company that owns a Jollibee franchise in Davao City. Prosecution evidence and government documents link the Vice President to the firm, raising questions about potential constitutional violations regarding business interests held by the Vice President while in office.
Gencorp Industries and the Jollibee Connection
Documents show Gencorp Industries Inc. operates the Jollibee branch on Bolton Street in Davao City. According to her sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Vice President Duterte is a stockholder of Gencorp, though her name does not appear in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings for the company.
Prosecutor Erwin Matib stated that a witness identified a financial statement containing the word “Jollibee” in reference to Gencorp. Senator Kiko Pangilinan questioned if the P2.1 billion in sales associated with these entities came from Jollibee or Chowking franchises.
Did You Know? Other companies associated with Vice President Duterte or her husband, Mans Carpio, include Metro City Chow Food Corporation, City Hall King Chow Foods Corporation, Timesquare Bee Foods Corp., and Great Jolly Times Food Corp.
Davao City Hall Contracts and Conflict of Interest
Gencorp has secured multiple contracts with Davao City Hall since 2022, the same period Sara Duterte became Vice President and her brother, Sebastian, became mayor. While initial reports indicated at least P14 million in contracts, the Davao City mayor later updated the total to P33 million across 19 contracts.
Rendell Sopeña, division chief of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, testified before the impeachment court that their database shows 15 Gencorp-Davao City deals valued at P34 million. These arrangements may violate the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits the Vice President from having business interests during their term.
Expert Insight: The discrepancy between the mayor’s reported contract totals and the government procurement database highlights a critical evidentiary focal point. For the prosecution, the goal is to prove not just the existence of these businesses, but a direct violation of the constitutional ban on business interests, which could serve as a legal basis for removal from office.
Prosecution Reactions and Legal Stakes
The involvement of a popular fast-food chain has led to pointed commentary from the prosecution. Prosecutor Terry Ridon referenced the Jollibee slogan, stating, “Bida ang sarap, bida ang ebidensiya” (the star is the flavor, the star is the evidence).
Because the 1987 charter explicitly forbids the Vice President from maintaining business interests, these findings could lead to further impeachment proceedings. The prosecution may continue to use financial statements and SEC filings to reconcile the Vice President’s SALN declarations with official corporate records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sara Duterte’s name appear in Gencorp’s SEC filings?
No. While she listed herself as a stockholder in her sworn SALN, her name is not in the company’s SEC documents.
How much money did Gencorp receive from Davao City Hall?
The Davao City mayor confirmed P33 million over 19 contracts, while the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System reported 15 deals worth P34 million.
What is the constitutional issue regarding these businesses?
The 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibits the Vice President from having business interests while holding office.
Do you believe the disclosed business interests constitute a clear violation of the 1987 Constitution?
Worth a look