Manila City 3rd District Representative Joel Chua accused the defense’s first witness of lying on Monday, November 9, during the 40th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a prosecution press conference, Chua criticized the testimony of Davao City Assessor Engineer Jaime Adalin, who took the witness stand as the defense opened its presentation of evidence.
Adalin was called to testify on Davao City tax declarations and property records, specifically aiming to establish that real property covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2024010775 was properly disclosed in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
During the session, Adalin confirmed that two properties in Juna Subdivision, Matina Crossing, Davao City, are registered under the name of Duterte’s husband, Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio, carrying a combined market value of nearly ₱3.9 million.
However, Chua questioned Adalin’s credibility, pointing out his inability to clarify whether the property was residential or commercial despite prosecution photographs allegedly depicting a business establishment.
Chua also took issue with the witness failing to recall an alleged trip to China in November of last year.
“Nakita po natin yung unang testigo ng depensa na nuknukan ng sinungaling. Umpisang-umpisa pa lang, nakita naman po natin kung paano niya nais depensahan ang kanyang amo,” Chua said.
“Ito ang maliwanag na pagsisinungaling,” he added.
While the defense maintains that the disputed properties were accurately declared in the Vice President’s SALNs, the prosecution insists there are discrepancies between the documentation and the official disclosures.
The impeachment trial resumed Monday following 39 days of proceedings in which the House prosecution panel rested its case, allowing the defense to begin presenting witnesses to counter the remaining allegations.