MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte held a 20 percent stake in a company operating a Chowking branch in Davao City while serving in public office, but took no part in its management or business operations from 2022 to 2025, the corporation's legal counsel told the Senate impeachment court on Wednesday.
Suzette Balucanag-Punay testified that Duterte was one of the incorporators of Metro City Chow Foods Corp., holding a 20 percent shareholding equivalent to P50,000 in subscribed capital and P12,500 in paid-up capital.
Metro City Chow operates the Chowking San Pedro branch in Davao City, which was previously operated by City Hall King Chow Foods Corp.
According to the company's General Information Sheets (GIS), Duterte was also listed as a member of its board of directors and compensation committee from 2022 to 2025.
Despite these positions, Balucanag-Punay maintained that Duterte did not participate in board meetings, business transactions or the company's management during the period.
“I have not seen her in the meetings, either board meetings or even company parties, even in the store, in the branch,” she said.
She added that Duterte had no involvement in the company's decision-making, operational management, financial affairs or administration of its properties.
