MANILA, Philippines — Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo expressed frustration over the testimony of Davao City accountant Vingelin Bajan after she repeatedly hesitated to confirm whether a signature appearing on a document was hers during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, November 10.
During the 41st day of proceedings, Tulfo questioned why Bajan took several minutes to answer what he described as a simple question, as the witness continued examining the pages of the documents presented to her.
“Alam mo, natatakot ako para sa’yo. Kasi, napakasimple lang ng katanungan and you’re very evasive, hindi mo masagot-sagot. ‘Yung katanungan lang kung signature mo ‘yun o hindi? Hindi mo masagot-sagot, paano pa kaya mamaya? I’m sure marami pang hard questions,” Tulfo said.
The senator warned Bajan that her manner of answering could expose her to possible contempt proceedings if the impeachment court found her uncooperative.
“Baka ma-contempt ka, sana huwag. Kami, napipikon na. You’ve been very evasive to a very simple question. Patingin-tingin ka pa sa mga pages, nandyan na sa harap mo ‘yung signature mo,” he added.
Bajan apologized and explained that she was reviewing the documents because they dated back several years.
“Sorry po, your honor, gina-refresh ko lang po kasi matagal na po ito,” she said.
Tulfo, however, maintained that identifying one’s own signature should not require an extended examination of the document.
“Ma’am, ako alam ko kung signature ko sa biglang tingin ko,” the senator remarked.
Bajan was the third witness presented by Duterte’s defense team as the Senate impeachment court continued examining evidence related to the remaining impeachment charge involving alleged unexplained wealth.
The exchange followed earlier reminders from senator-judges that witnesses must answer questions truthfully and cooperate with the proceedings. No contempt ruling against Bajan was reported in the exchange.
