(Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB)
MANILA – Senator-Judge Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday that she would reserve judgment on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case until the defense completes its presentation, emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate all witnesses and evidence before reaching a verdict.
In a radio interview, Hontiveros said the testimony of Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin, the defense’s first witness, was insufficient to draw conclusions on the remaining impeachment charge involving alleged unexplained wealth.
“Simula pa lang naman so kailangan titimbangin ko, titimbangin namin lahat (This is just the beginning, so I have to weigh, and we have to weigh everything),” Hontiveros said.
She stressed that senator-judges must consider the complete defense presentation alongside the evidence submitted by the prosecution before deciding the case.
Hontiveros also defended the extensive questioning of Adalin during Monday’s hearing, particularly regarding his trips to China, after the witness struggled to recall specific details of his travels.
She explained that the issue emerged during cross-examination by the prosecution, prompting senator-judges to seek further clarification.
“Kapag may mga bagay na lumitaw na mukhang mahalaga tapos malabo o hindi kumpleto, talagang ifo-follow-up question po namin iyon (When issues emerge that appear important but remain unclear or incomplete, we really ask follow-up questions),” she said.
According to Hontiveros, the questions were intended to establish the accuracy and consistency of the witness’s statements rather than reach premature conclusions about his credibility.
During the hearing, Adalin initially had difficulty recalling details of his overseas trips before confirming that he traveled to China in January 2026 with other Davao City officials.
Hontiveros questioned him about the cities he visited, his traveling companions and the individual responsible for arranging the trip.
Adalin maintained that the visit was personal and that he covered his own travel expenses.
His responses also drew scrutiny from other senator-judges, including Erwin Tulfo, who warned that Adalin could face contempt proceedings if he continued giving seemingly evasive answers.
Hontiveros reiterated that seeking clarification on incomplete or inconsistent testimony is part of the impeachment court’s responsibility to establish the facts and ensure a fair assessment of the case.
The Senate impeachment court is hearing the remaining charge of alleged unexplained wealth against Duterte, with the defense expected to present additional witnesses and evidence in the succeeding hearings.
