Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo contempt warning took center stage during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after he cautioned the defense’s first witness about the possibility of being cited for contempt over his responses during testimony.
The warning came after Davao City Assessor Engr. Jaime Adalin was questioned regarding his alleged trips to China while undergoing cross-examination before the Senate Impeachment Court.
When asked about details related to his travels, Adalin replied, “I don’t have the record. I cannot memorize all of your trips,” while laughing during the proceedings.
Tulfo immediately stood and rebuked the witness, expressing concern over what he perceived as a lack of seriousness in responding to questions under oath.
“Mr. Presiding Officer, it appears that this witness is making a mockery of these proceedings. Sir, may I remind you that you are under oath,” Tulfo said during the hearing.
After Adalin acknowledged the reminder, Tulfo further warned him that turning his testimony into what he described as a joke was prohibited and could result in contempt sanctions.
The senator-judge emphasized that the impeachment court was conducting a serious proceeding and that witnesses were expected to provide direct and truthful answers to questions raised during the trial.
The tense exchange occurred during the witness’s cross-examination by House private prosecutor Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa.
Earlier in the proceedings, Adalin had described Tolosa’s questions regarding his trips to China as “irrelevant,” prompting further scrutiny from the prosecution panel.
Tolosa, however, argued that the questions were part of the prosecution’s effort to assess the credibility and reliability of the witness before the impeachment court.
The exchange highlighted growing tensions between the prosecution and the defense as both sides continued presenting arguments and evidence in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.