Davao City assessor testifies as first defense witness in VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial
City Assessor Jaime Adalin took the stand on the trial's 40th day as the Vice President's lawyers began presenting evidence on a disputed property disclosure.
Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin became the first witness for the defense in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, November 9, as her legal team opened its side of the case, according to DZRH.
Adalin, an engineer, was sworn in before the impeachment court on the 40th day of the trial. Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel then started his direct examination when proceedings resumed.
According to the stated purposes of his testimony, the defense called Adalin to establish his post as city assessor and his personal knowledge of Davao City's tax declarations.
The defense also intends to use his testimony to show that a piece of real property covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2024010775 was declared by Duterte in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
Duterte's lawyers are seeking to counter the prosecution's allegation about the disclosure of that property, which the defense has called malicious and completely false, DZRH reported.
Adalin is expected to identify and authenticate tax declarations and other documents related to the titled property.
Why it matters for Davao
A Davao City government official's records are now central evidence in the impeachment case against the Vice President, who comes from Davao City.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by dzrh. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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