Defense witness and Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin maintained on Monday that he personally funded his international travels, even as senator-judges pressed him on his inability to recall key details about his trips to China, Australia, and other countries during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the 40th day of the trial, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned Adalin after he confirmed traveling to China in January 2026 but failed to remember the specific cities he visited, his companions, or who organized the trip.
When asked if he had been to Beijing and Shanghai, Adalin stated he believed he visited those cities but could not recall with certainty.
“Hindi ko talaga maalala. Sorry po. I’m not keen on travelling kaya hindi ko na mine-memorize yung pinupuntahan,” Adalin told the impeachment court.
Hontiveros expressed skepticism over how an official could forget destinations from major overseas trips. Adalin explained that the journey was part of a group agenda rather than an official visit, noting that the Davao City engineer and treasurer were among his companions, though he could no longer recall who arranged the travel.
When asked if government officials earning standard salaries could afford trips to China, Australia, and elsewhere, Adalin answered affirmatively.
”Yes, Your Honor,” he said.
”Okay, that’s something for us to check,” Hontiveros responded.
Earlier in the proceedings, Senator Erwin Tulfo cautioned Adalin about the legal consequences of lying under oath after the witness struggled to provide clear answers regarding a reported November 2025 trip to China.
”Mr. Presiding Officer, parang tayo niloloko ng testigo na ito. Sir, may I remind you that you’re under oath,” Tulfo said.
Senator Raffy Tulfo also reprimanded Adalin after the assessor failed to remember a November 12, 2018, trip to China despite being shown flight records.
”You’ve heard me once. I’m not gonna repeat myself anymore. Mag-isip ka habang nagsasalita ako,” Raffy Tulfo told Adalin.
Despite failing to recall specific details, Adalin maintained that he did travel to China.