Manila:Vice President Sara Duterte remained on the board and Compensation Committee of Metro City Chow Foods Corp. from 2022 to 2025, despite a constitutional ban on business participation while in office.

According to Philippines News agency, defense witness Suzette Balucanag-Punay, the company's in-house counsel, confirmed during a Senate impeachment court cross-examination that Duterte was listed as a board member and Compensation Committee member. This revelation came from House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan's questioning.

SEC Director Gerardo Del Rosario had previously confirmed Duterte's 20 percent ownership in Metro City Chow, valued at PHP50,000 out of an initial PHP250,000 subscribed capital. Despite being a shareholder and director, Punay insisted that Duterte did not actively participate in the company, asserting she did not attend any meetings in 2025.

Kapunan also highlighted inconsistencies regarding the Compensation Committee, which is not mentioned in the company's bylaws. Punay explained that committee positions were included in corporate filings to satisfy bank requirements, as banks would not accept general information sheets without filled positions.

The testimony raises questions about Duterte's roles and the potential violation of Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution, which prohibits business participation by the president and vice president during their tenure. The prosecution is investigating whether Duterte's continued corporate roles and ownership breached this restriction, as part of Article II concerning PHP817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth.