Davao City assessor rebuked by senator-judges over answers on China trips

Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin drew sharp criticism from senator-judges on Day 40 of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on November 9, 2026, after he gave what was described as evasive answers about trips he took to China, according to Rappler.

Adalin was the first witness presented by Duterte's defense team. During cross-examination, House private prosecutor Jay Tolosa asked whether Adalin was among the Davao local government officials who allegedly went on an all-expenses-paid tour of China in November 2025 sponsored by the Chinese consulate. Adalin laughed and replied, "I think that's irrelevant," Rappler reported.

Presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero appeared amused, but several senator-judges were not. Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto said the court could request Adalin's travel records from the Bureau of Immigration if he kept saying he could not remember the details. Senator Erwin Tulfo reminded Adalin that he was under oath and could be cited in contempt for lying or mocking the proceedings.

Adalin later confirmed that he had travelled to China last year, describing it as a personal trip. When asked about a separate trip in November 2018, he again said he could not recall the details. Senator Raffy Tulfo then cited a flight number and date for that trip and questioned how the assessor could afford frequent travel abroad on his salary.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also pressed Adalin on where he went and which agency arranged the trips. "Sir, I'm sorry but this is no laughing matter," Hontiveros said, adding that it was hard to believe a city assessor familiar with the maps presented in court could not recall the areas he visited. Adalin said he was not particularly fond of travelling, which was why he had forgotten the details.

Raffy Tulfo said the line of questioning was tied to allegations that Cale88, a company co-owned by Duterte's husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, received inward remittances worth P319 million from China and Hong Kong. He said it was troubling to hear of government officials receiving money from a country the Philippines has a territorial dispute with. These remain allegations raised during the trial.

By the end of the questioning, Adalin was able to recall some details of his trips, according to Rappler.