MANILA— Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo called Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin a liar during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday after questioning his testimony on the classification and use of an alleged property belonging to the vice president in Barangay 74-A, Davao City.

Tulfo questioned Adalin’s explanation that the property was classified as commercial but was being used for residential purposes, pointing to features that appeared to indicate residential use.

“Sabi niya commercial pero ginagamit [as] residential. Naglagay ka ng dining [area], karatula, para tutulugan mo lang? Parang ‘yon ang pinapalabas nitong witness,” ani Tulfo.

Meanwhile, Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo reminded Adalin that he was testifying under oath and warned that making light of the proceedings could lead to a contempt citation.

“We’re serious here,” Tulfo said. “Tinatanong kayo, nakapunta ba kayo, ayaw niyo sabihin. Yung petsa di niyo rin malaman. So kung talagang di niyo alam, eh di hindi niyo alam.”

The exchange followed questions from prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. on whether Adalin was among the Davao City government officials who joined an all-expense-paid trip to China sponsored by the Chinese consulate in November 2025.

Adalin initially responded, “I think that is irrelevant.”

Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero then asked whether he had traveled to China around that period. Adalin said he could not fully recall, responding, “Siguro.”

Erwin Tulfo subsequently reminded the witness of his obligation to answer truthfully under oath and cautioned that he could be cited for contempt.