Davao City accountant admits past partnership in firm that audited Duterte-linked companies

Davao City accountant Vingelin Bajan, testifying for the defense in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, acknowledged on Tuesday, November 10, that she had been a partner in an accounting firm that audited three companies linked to Duterte, according to Philstar.

Under cross-examination, Bajan said she had been a partner in Ampil, Elis, Shudadano and Co. since its registration in 2003. At the time, she was also working for the Davao City government under a job-order arrangement, which she said did not create an employer-employee relationship with the city. Answering prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia, she confirmed contributing capital to the firm while with the city government from 2001 to 2004. She said she stopped being a partner after the firm amended its articles of partnership in 2015.

The firm was the external auditor of GenCorp Industries Inc., Metro City Chow Foods Corp. and Great Jolly Times Food Corp., whose ties to Duterte are being examined in the case over her alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Asked by Senator-Judge Bam Aquino whether she received a salary or other pay from the firm, Bajan initially replied, "I really can't remember, your honor." After Aquino warned that her evasive answers put her in risky territory, she acknowledged receiving allowances, Philstar reported. Republic Act 6713, the code of conduct for public officials and employees, restricts the private practice of professions by those in government service.

Bajan also initially said she could not recall the firm's original partnership papers, which listed her name and a P1,000 capital contribution, or confirm her signature on them, though she recognised her taxpayer identification number. She later confirmed the signature was hers.

Presiding officer Chiz Escudero criticised her answers, saying, "Please, my patience is wearing thin." Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo suggested disciplinary action, saying the witness appeared to disrespect the court, and noted she repeatedly looked toward the defense panel. He likened her testimony to that of Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin, the defense witness on Monday whose statements senators had also questioned.

Bajan is the third defense witness under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment, which covers alleged ill-gotten wealth and incomplete disclosures in Duterte's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.