Vice President Sara Duterte’s witnesses could face contempt or perjury charges if they evade questions or lie under oath, senator-judges warned during her impeachment trial on Tuesday.
The warning came after the Senate impeachment court questioned the conduct of Duterte’s first defense witness, Davao City Assessor Engr. Jaime Adalin, whose vague answers during Monday’s hearing drew criticism from several senator-judges.
Adalin was questioned about a Davao City property linked to Duterte’s husband, lawyer Mans Carpio, and a recent trip to China.
At the opening of Day 41 of the trial, Senator-Judge Tito Sotto asked whether witnesses who give false statements before the impeachment court could face sanctions.
Presiding Officer Juan Miguel Zubiri? [Correction: Chiz Escudero] Senate President Pro Tempore Chiz Escudero said witnesses could be cited for contempt and face possible perjury charges before the proper authorities because their testimonies are given under oath.
“They may be subject to contempt by the court,” Escudero said, adding that false statements could also lead to perjury cases.
The reminder was reinforced when the defense presented its next witness, engineer John Kenneth Enumerables.
Escudero urged him to avoid the kind of testimony that drew criticism during the previous hearing.
Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson also cited Senate Resolution No. 39, which contains the impeachment court’s rules of procedure and grants it the authority to cite individuals for contempt.
Lacson criticized Adalin’s conduct, saying his reactions and answers during Monday’s proceedings undermined the seriousness of the trial.
“Yesterday was not a good day for the impeachment court,” Lacson said, recalling how the witness appeared to smirk and laugh during questioning.
He said the court should not have to deal with similar conduct from succeeding witnesses.
The defense panel has submitted a list of at least 24 witnesses it intends to present in support of Duterte’s case.
The warning puts the remaining defense witnesses on notice as the impeachment court continues examining testimony and evidence related to the allegations against the vice president.
