Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Monday questioned the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the alleged “Operation Romanov” and whether they would present witnesses to substantiate claims that the operation was a plot to eliminate the Vice President and her family.

During the fourth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Tulfo asked defense counsel Atty. Mark Vinluan if the “Operation Romanov” he previously mentioned referred to the allegation raised by blogger Princess Maui during Duterte’s online press conference.

“Attorney, this Operation Romanov that you mentioned, are you referring to the Operation Romanov mentioned by the blogger Princess Maui during the online press conference of VP Sara?” Tulfo asked.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Vinluan replied.

Tulfo then pointed out that Princess Maui was not included in the defense’s list of witnesses in the pre-trial order and asked whether the defense intended to call her to testify.

Vinluan said the decision would depend on the developments in the trial.

“At this point, it will depend on what has been, what will be established by the prosecution. The defense reserves its right to call or not call any witness depending on the course of the trial,” Vinluan said.

When asked if they would present other witnesses to prove the alleged threat or “Operation Romanov,” Vinluan replied, “Yes, Your Honor, that will be part of our evidence in chief.”

However, Vinluan declined to reveal the identities of their potential witnesses, saying, “We are not at liberty to disclose that at this time. Again, it will depend on the course of the trial.”

Tulfo also raised the mention of “Romanov” by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during a 2024 forum, saying he was unfamiliar with the term and later searched for its historical meaning.

“I didn’t know what Romanov meant and who they were. In fact, I Googled it… apparently, they were the ruling family in Russia that was murdered by the Bolsheviks on the night of July 16, 1918,” Tulfo said.

He asked Vinluan whether the reference made by Mayor Duterte, blogger Princess Maui, and the defense counsel were connected.

Vinluan responded that he had no personal knowledge of Mayor Duterte’s statement and could not comment on it.

Tulfo also questioned Vinluan’s previous description of Vice President Duterte’s response as “unconventional” during the press conference where the alleged threats were discussed.

“Why is it unconventional?” Tulfo asked.

Vinluan answered, “Your Honor, the basic meaning of the word is, it will explain itself, Your Honor.”

The senator-judge ended his questioning after the exchange.