MANILA, Philippines | November 9, 2026 | Lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte began presenting their defence in the Senate impeachment trial on Monday, challenging allegations that she accumulated more than ₱800 million in unexplained wealth in a case that could determine her political future and derail her potential presidential bid in 2028.
The defence called its first witness, Davao City assessor Jaime Adalin, who testified about property tax declarations and assessment records to support its argument that a disputed property linked to Duterte had been properly included in her 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
However, House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro questioned the testimony, saying Adalin failed to conclusively establish that the 379-square-meter property in Juna Subdivision, Matina Crossing, Davao City, registered under Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, was the same property identified in her asset declaration, according to the Philippine News Agency.
The defence is expected to present 24 witnesses, including accountants, bankers and corporate lawyers connected to businesses linked to the vice president. Defence spokesperson Michael Poa said it was too early to determine whether Duterte herself would testify.
The prosecution’s case centers on allegations that Duterte failed to fully disclose her wealth and business interests. A forensic accounting expert, Alexander Cabrera, previously testified that his examination of financial records identified approximately ₱817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth involving Duterte and her husband from 2022 to 2025. The amount could reach ₱1.5 billion under less conservative assumptions, according to the expert’s testimony cited by the House prosecution.
The financial examination reportedly covered bank records, income tax returns, insurance documents, corporate filings and SALNs. The prosecution also cited remittances from entities based in China and Hong Kong. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and described the impeachment proceedings as political harassment. Her lawyers have challenged the prosecution’s financial findings and the admissibility of its evidence.
The trial has been narrowed to one remaining impeachment charge after prosecutors withdrew three of the original four articles on October 13. The withdrawn charges involved alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady and a former House speaker. The Senate impeachment court approved the withdrawal, leaving allegations involving unexplained wealth as the central issue.
The Senate proceedings resumed after nearly a month of recess. On Monday, Presiding Officer Francis Escudero also announced the issuance of subpoenas for three prospective witnesses and approved the rescheduling of another witness’s appearance, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the House of Representatives has the exclusive authority to initiate impeachment cases, while the Senate has the sole power to try and decide them. Conviction requires the votes of two-thirds of all Senate members. An impeachment conviction can result in removal from office and disqualification from holding public office, although it does not prevent separate criminal or civil proceedings.
The case began amid a widening political rift between Duterte and Marcos, who ran together on a joint ticket and won the 2022 presidential election. Their alliance later deteriorated over political differences, particularly concerning foreign policy, governance and the investigation of the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Duterte, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has remained a prominent political figure and a leading potential contender for the 2028 presidential election. A conviction in the impeachment trial could effectively end those ambitions.
In a separate criminal case, she also faces three counts of grave threats over statements involving Marcos, the first lady and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. She has denied wrongdoing in that case as well.
The defence is seeking to complete its presentation before the end of the year, although the final schedule will depend on the Senate impeachment court and the number of witnesses and hearings required. No verdict has been reached.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
