Sara Duterte’s defence opens with disputed property evidence
The defence in Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has called Davao City assessor Jaime Adalin as its first witness. Lawyers sought to establish that a titled property was included in her asset declaration. Prosecutors challenged whether the documents identified the same property, and the court briefly paused for a document review.
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The defence calls its first witness
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s defence began presenting evidence in her Senate impeachment trial on November 9. Jaime Adalin, the property assessment official for Davao City in the Philippines, appeared as its first witness. Defence lawyer Lindon Miguel Bacquel called him to establish that a titled property had been included in Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The question before the court concerned whether the transfer certificate of title and the asset declaration identified the same property. The testimony opened the defence’s formal evidence presentation, with lawyers examining the documents and the witness’s knowledge of the property assessment documents.[1], [2]
Prosecutors challenge the property match
Prosecution lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr. disputed the purpose of the testimony. He argued that Adalin could not conclusively demonstrate that the property listed in Duterte’s declaration was the one covered by the title. Prosecutors also pointed to different acquisition values in the documents. The defence sought to use the witness and the documents to rebut the allegation that the property had not been disclosed. These were competing submissions during the evidence stage, rather than a final finding on concealment or unlawful acquisition. The court was considering what the witness could establish about the documents and the property they described.[1], [2]
Documents reviewed after a brief recess
Bacquel requested a temporary suspension to examine additional documents brought by the witness. He said the defence already held a copy of the tax declaration but needed time to review the other material. After presiding officer Francis Chiz Escudero asked about the documents, the court granted a three-minute recess. Before the interruption, Adalin used an Administrative District Index Map to confirm that Barangay Matina Crossing and Barangay 74-A referred to the same location within Davao City. Escudero noted that prosecutors were willing to stipulate to that geographic point. The hearing remained at the stage of testing testimony and documentary evidence in the impeachment proceedings.[1]
