Political analyst Prof. Ramon Beleno III said Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte could potentially serve as a “Plan B” for the Duterte family if Vice President Sara Duterte’s political career is affected.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, Beleno said recent developments could indicate preparations for Baste to take a larger political role. He cited Baste’s election as president of PDP-Laban as one possible indication.
Baste was elected president of PDP-Laban in April and was later reelected to the position during the party’s national assembly in July.
Beleno also discussed Baste’s testimony during Sara’s impeachment trial. He said the prosecution may have made a strategic mistake by giving the Davao City mayor an opportunity to become more familiar to the public.
According to Beleno, Baste’s testimony presented a different public image from what some people had previously associated with him. He said the mayor gave direct answers during questioning by prosecutors and senator-judges.
Beleno also noted that Baste defended GenCorp during his testimony. GenCorp has been discussed in the impeachment proceedings because of its connection to Sara Duterte’s declared business interests. Baste previously testified about the Davao City government’s transactions with the company.
The analyst further observed that Baste’s testimony ended earlier than expected. Beleno said this could have been because the prosecution had no more information to obtain from the mayor through questioning.
Beleno’s “Plan B” characterization is an analysis of recent political developments and does not establish that Baste has been selected as a replacement candidate for Sara Duterte.
Earlier, Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio also described Baste as a possible “Plan B” for the Duterte family following his appointment as PDP-Laban president.
