Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin on Monday took the witness stand as the first defense witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as her legal team began presenting evidence to counter allegations against her.

Adalin, an engineer, formally took his oath before the impeachment court on Nov. 9, the 40th day of the trial.

Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel began the direct examination of Adalin as proceedings resumed Monday.

The defense presented Adalin to establish his position as Davao City assessor and his personal knowledge of the city's tax declarations.

According to the stated purposes of his testimony, the defense also seeks to establish that the real property covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 146-2024010775 was disclosed by Duterte in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

The defense further aims to challenge the prosecution's allegation concerning the disclosure of the property, describing the accusation as malicious and completely false.

Adalin is also expected to identify and authenticate tax declarations and other related documents concerning the property covered by the title.