The business relationship between Jaime T. Cruz and Vice President Sara Duterte has come under intense scrutiny during her impeachment trial. Cruz, a businessman with numerous corporate affiliations, is a significant figure in the ongoing investigations into Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth.
Corporate Connections
Cruz is listed as an incorporator for multiple companies associated with Duterte, including:
Cruz also has ties to Gencorp Industries Inc., which has secured significant contracts from Davao City Hall during Duterte's tenure as vice president. Notably, corporate records do not list Duterte as a shareholder of Gencorp, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The Constitution prohibits the vice president from having financial interests in government contracts.
Constitution of the Philippines
During the impeachment hearings, the Securities and Exchange Commission's Company Registration Director, Gerardo del Rosario, confirmed Cruz's role in these companies, indicating a complex web of business interests that could implicate Duterte.
Historical Context
Cruz's connections extend to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who appointed him as special envoy to China for trade and investments in 2019. This appointment, along with previous offers for leadership roles in PhilHealth, demonstrates his close relationship with the Duterte family.
In 2023, Cruz joined a business delegation led by then-President Duterte to Japan, where they secured a deal for restaurant operations in the Philippines. This highlights the ongoing intertwining of business and political interests within the Duterte administration.