A brief exchange over the Filipino translation of the legal term “hearsay” occurred during the eighth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial as defense counsel Atty. Mark Vinluan questioned NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag during cross-examination.
Vinluan asked Matibag whether information without personal knowledge could be considered hearsay, later comparing the term to “sabi-sabi” or “chismis.”
“If not based on personal knowledge, then that is hearsay, correct?” Vinluan asked.
Matibag agreed but clarified that hearsay has exceptions under the rules of evidence.
“Correct? But it's not an absolute rule po dahil may exceptions nga po,” Matibag said.
Vinluan then asked for the proper Filipino translation of hearsay, asking whether “chismis” would be an appropriate equivalent.
“I’m trying to look for the Filipino term for hearsay. Ano ba yung hearsay sa Tagalog? Sabi-sabi or chismis? Is that a fair translation?” Vinluan asked.
Lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro objected, saying the question was misleading because Matibag had not testified that the information was hearsay and was instead discussing exceptions to the rule.
Presiding Officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero allowed Matibag to answer based on his understanding.
Matibag said he was not aware of a formal Filipino translation of hearsay but offered his own interpretation.
“Hindi ko po alam kung anong translation dito sa Tagalog. Okay, so I’ll just use my own translation, chismis,” Matibag said.
Vinluan then followed up, asking whether information without personal knowledge would simply be considered “chismis.”
“Kung wala kang personal knowledge, chismis lang ’yon, tama?” Vinluan asked.
Matibag, however, said that in his years practicing law, he had never heard the term “chismis” used in court as a direct translation of hearsay.
“Hindi ko po naririnig sa korte, ako yung nag-practice din, kahit minsan po, hindi ko po narinig na ang hearsay ay ginamit ang salitang chismis,” Matibag said.
The exchange came as the defense continued questioning the basis of evidence presented by the prosecution during the impeachment proceedings.
