Senator Erwin Tulfo questioned Island Garden City of Samal Assessor John Kenneth Enumerables regarding his familiarity with local barangays during the 41st day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday.
The line of questioning began after the witness appeared uncertain whether Barangay Matanos existed within the city. Tulfo argued that an assessor must thoroughly know their assigned territory to ensure properties are properly identified and assessed.
”How can you be an assessor in one area if you do not even know the barangays? You should have them memorized,” Tulfo told Enumerables.
The senator expressed concern over how properties could be accurately evaluated if their exact locations within the jurisdiction remain unclear.
”Kung hindi mo naman teritoryo, malay mo na sa Timbuktu pala yung binibigay sa iyong barangay. Wala po doon sa area of responsibility mo. How can you assess that properly?” Tulfo said.
Senate President and presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero intervened to clarify the record, noting that it was Vice President Duterte—not the witness—who had originally mentioned Barangay Matanos.
Escudero pointed out that Enumerables had consistently maintained that the property under Transfer Certificate of Title ending in 3134 is located in Barangay San Isidro, Kaputian District, and stated he was unfamiliar with Sitio Matanos.
Enumerables subsequently testified before the impeachment court that he is familiar with all the barangays in the Kaputian District.
When Escudero asked Tulfo to clarify his inquiry regarding the existence of Barangay Matanos in Samal, the senator explained that he simply wanted to confirm whether the location falls within the assessor’s jurisdiction.