THE House prosecution panel confirmed Tuesday that former Special Envoy to China Jaime T. Cruz, who served under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, is the same individual listed in corporate records of multiple companies linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio.
Private prosecutor Erwin Matib made the confirmation in response to a direct query from Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo during the impeachment trial proceedings. “Yes, Your Honor. Same name, same person,” Matib stated.
The confirmation came as SEC Company Registration and Monitoring Department Director Gerardo Del Rosario testified on the records of firms connected to the Vice President and Carpio. Cruz’s name appears as an incorporator or board member in six companies: City Hall King Chow Foods Corporation, Metro City Chow Foods Corporation, Great Jolly Times Food Corporation, Davao New Royal Taipan Foods Corporation, Davao Emerging Taipan Corporation, and Davao Bounty Times Food Corporation. Del Rosario also disclosed that Cruz was the top subscriber in Metro City Chow Foods Corporation, holding 1,997 shares, while Vice President Duterte herself held 500 shares in the same firm.
Senator Tulfo raised the issue to clarify whether the former envoy — appointed to boost trade and investment ties with China — had any direct corporate ties to the Vice President’s business interests. The disclosure adds another layer to the impeachment court’s examination of VP Sara’s financial holdings and associations, as the prosecution continues to present evidence related to wealth and asset declarations. Further details on the nature and extent of Cruz’s involvement in these companies are expected to emerge as the trial proceeds.
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