The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte admitted on Monday that it did not expect senator-judges to question a witness regarding his foreign travels during the 40th day of her impeachment trial.
Atty. Michael Poa, defense panel member and spokesperson, said they were caught off guard by the inquiry directed at Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin, who testified that he personally funded his trips to China, Australia, and other countries.
“Hindi namin inexpect to be honest na matatanong yon. Hindi rin naman alam na may ganoong trip but the witness already mentioned na it was [a] personal [trip],” Poa told reporters after Monday’s proceedings.
Adalin faced intense questioning after struggling to recall specific details of his overseas travels, though he maintained that no government funds were used.
While the defense noted they could not prevent the inquiries, Poa acknowledged that the questions likely aimed to evaluate the witness’s credibility and potential bias.
“I can only surmise … they were trying to look at credibility, bias, yung mga ganoon na ginagawa naman talaga sa mga paglilitis,” Poa said.
He emphasized that because senator-judges hold the ultimate authority to decide the impeachment case, the defense respected their prerogative to raise any questions they deemed necessary.
“At the end of the day, they will be the ones deciding, so we have to let them ask the questions they want to ask,” he added.