Davao City assessor rebuked by senators over evasive answers in Sara Duterte trial

Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin drew sharp criticism from senator-judges on Day 40 of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial after giving what senators described as evasive answers about his travels to China, according to Rappler.

Adalin, the first witness presented by Duterte's defense team, took the stand on November 9, 2026. During cross-examination, House private prosecutor Jay Tolosa asked whether Adalin had joined Davao local government officials on an all-expenses-paid trip to China in November 2025, allegedly sponsored by the Chinese consulate. Adalin laughed and replied that the question was irrelevant, Rappler reported.

Senate President and presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero appeared amused, but other senator-judges were not. Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto said the court could obtain Adalin's travel records from the Bureau of Immigration if he kept saying he could not remember. Senator Erwin Tulfo reminded the witness that he was under oath and could be cited in contempt. "The witness appears to be making a fool of us," Tulfo said.

Adalin later confirmed he had gone to China last year, describing it as a personal trip. Asked about a separate trip in November 2018, he again said he could not recall details. Senator Raffy Tulfo then cited the date, a November 12, 2018 flight, and a two-day stay, 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," she said, noting that the witness had presented himself as knowledgeable about maps used in the trial. Adalin said he was not particularly fond of travel, which was why he had forgotten the details.

Raffy Tulfo explained that the line of questioning was tied to alleged inward remittances worth P319 million from China and Hong Kong involving Cale88, a company he said is co-owned by Duterte's husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. Tulfo said it was troubling to hear of government officials allegedly receiving money from China, given the country's territorial dispute with the Philippines.

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