The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte has declared itself fully prepared to present its evidence before the Senate impeachment court, emphasizing its commitment to avoiding unnecessary delays and respecting the public’s time.
Speaking on Monday, Nov. 9, defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa stated that the team’s core focus is addressing and debunking the allegations raised in the proceedings through concrete evidence rather than pursuing tangential legal arguments.
“We really don’t want to waste the court’s time and the people’s time,” Poa said, noting that alternative legal remedies are not currently on their agenda.
As the trial progresses, the defense has already introduced its first witness, Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin. Presented by defense counsel Atty. Lindon Bacquel, Adalin testified to establish that properties covered by a Transfer Certificate of Title were duly disclosed in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
Adalin identified tax declarations for a residential lot and commercial building in Davao City registered under the Vice President’s husband, Atty. Manases Carpio, confirming they corresponded to the 2024 and 2025 SALNs.
However, the prosecution immediately scrutinized the testimony.
Prosecution counsel Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. pointed to a glaring discrepancy in acquisition values during cross-examination, arguing that the witness could not conclusively match the declared properties to the presented titles solely based on location.
Looking ahead, the defense anticipates presenting Gencorp’s corporate counsel later in the week after she was excused from Monday’s hearing.
With both sides locking horns over asset declarations and evidentiary weight, the defense maintains it will let the evidence speak for itself as the high-stakes impeachment trial continues.