Antonio Trillanes Raises Fresh Questions About Baste Duterte’s Finances
BASTE DUTERTE – Questions over Baste Duterte’s finances have resurfaced after former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV discussed alleged payments worth more than ₱1 million.
Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has raised questions about alleged financial transactions involving Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, including claims that the mayor was paying more than ₱1 million in bills each month when he was only 21 years old.
During a press conference on Friday, October 2, Trillanes discussed what he said were records showing more than ₱1 million in monthly bill payments associated with Baste Duterte beginning in 2008. At the time, Duterte was 21 years old and, according to Trillanes, had not yet entered politics or held a regular job.
The former senator questioned how such substantial expenses could have been covered at the time, particularly in light of statements portraying the Duterte family as living a relatively simple lifestyle.
“Sino ho ba rito na simpleng pamilya raw ang nagbabayad ng bills na worth mahigit ₱1 million? Ilang beses po ‘yan —50 plus times, simula noong 21 years old siya.”
Trillanes further claimed that Duterte was not employed when the alleged payments were being made.
“Hindi po [siya] nagtatrabaho, ha. Bago [siya] tumakbo sa politika. As in wala… pabandying-bandying lang,” Trillanes added.
According to the former senator, the alleged payments occurred repeatedly, with more than 50 transactions reportedly involving amounts exceeding ₱1 million. He questioned what the payments represented and how the funds used for them were obtained.
The claims come amid continuing scrutiny of the Duterte family’s finances as part of the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte. Trillanes had previously presented allegations involving financial transactions connected to several members of the Duterte family. Philstar.com reported in April that Trillanes alleged Sebastian Duterte received ₱51.5 million from businessman Samuel “Sammy” Uy between 2011 and 2013.
Trillanes also brought up the alleged receipt of money from Uy during his October 2 press conference. These claims remain allegations and have been disputed or subject to further examination through the ongoing proceedings.
As of the writing of this article, Mayor Baste Duterte had not publicly issued a statement addressing Trillanes’ latest allegations. The claims therefore remain subject to verification and further response from the mayor or his representatives.
READ ALSO: Baste Duterte’s All-Black Outfit Steals Attention During Impeachment Trial
