Engr. Jaime Adalin, Davao City Assessor, appeared as a defense witness in the Senate impeachment trial on Monday, November 9, 2026, and faced intense questioning regarding his foreign trips, particularly to China. Private prosecutor Jay Tolosa grilled Adalin about an all-expenses-paid trip to China sponsored by the Chinese Consulate in November 2025. Adalin initially dismissed the question as “irrelevant” before claiming he could not recall the trip. Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo confronted Adalin, citing records of his travels to China in January 2026 and November 2018, as well as visits to Hong Kong, Thailand, and Australia. Adalin explained that other city officials accompanied him but insisted the trip was personal, not official. Tulfo noted concerns about government officials receiving sponsorships from China amid disputes in the West Philippine Sea, referencing Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, who owns shares in Cale88, a company receiving millions from China and Hong Kong. Senator-Judge Risa Hontiveros criticized Adalin’s failure to recall details of his trips, calling it unbelievable for an engineer and city assessor. Senator-Judge Vicente Sotto III suggested verifying Adalin’s travel records with the Bureau of Immigration. Adalin admitted he couldn’t recall specific dates but denied intentionally evading questions. Senator-Judge Erwin Tulfo warned Adalin that his shifting responses could lead to a contempt citation, accusing him of making a mockery of the proceedings. Presiding Officer Francis Escudero sought clarity on whether Adalin couldn’t recall the trip or just its date, to which Adalin responded, “Maybe the date, Sir,” adding that memorizing all trips was impossible. (Antonio L. Colina IV with a report from H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)
