The VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial resumed on Monday, November 9, 2026, with Davao City Assessor Engr. Jaime G. Adalin formally taking the stand as the first witness for the defense.
Defense counsel Atty. Lindon Miguel Bacquel presented Adalin to establish that a property covered by a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) had been properly declared by Vice President Sara Duterte in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
However, prosecution counsel Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. immediately challenged the purpose of the testimony, arguing that the witness was unable to conclusively prove that the property reflected in the SALN was the same property covered by the TCT.
Tolosa pointed to what he described as a “glaring discrepancy,” particularly in the acquisition value stated in the documents, and objected to portions of the defense’s offer of testimony, claiming they were “improper” and “misleading.”
During the proceedings, Bacquel requested a temporary suspension of the trial to allow the defense sufficient time to review additional documents brought by the witness.
“With due respect, Your Honor, if we can also be given a few minutes to examine and peruse the documents?” Bacquel told Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero after the court inquired whether the defense already possessed copies of the records.
The lawyer explained that while the defense had copies of the tax declaration, it needed time to examine other documents presented by the witness that may not have previously been available to the defense.
The Senate Impeachment Court granted the request and called for a three-minute recess to allow counsel to review the material.
Before the brief interruption, Adalin also confirmed through an Administrative District Index Map that Barangay Matina Crossing and Barangay 74-A refer to the same location in Davao City.
The clarification was made after Escudero noted that the prosecution was willing to stipulate to the matter, allowing the witness to formally verify the geographic designation before the court.
The presentation of Adalin’s testimony marked the beginning of the defense’s formal evidence presentation as proceedings entered a critical stage in the impeachment case against the Vice President.