Senator Rafi Tulfo pressed the defence on “Operation Romanov”, the alleged plot to eliminate Vice President Duterte and her family, which the defence invoked as justification for her statements. The defence remained vague, refusing to disclose witnesses or evidence. Meanwhile, NBI Director Melvin Matibag requested to testify earlier than scheduled due to an FBI summit invitation, prompting Senator Cayetano to object sharply, arguing that allowing government officials to dictate their availability sets a dangerous precedent for the court’s authority.

Key Points

• Senator Rafi Tulfo questions the defence’s reference to “Operation Romanov” as justification for VP Duterte’s statements

• Defense attorney Vid Luan confirms blogger Princess Maui mentioned Operation Romanov during November 23 press conference but declines to disclose witnesses

• Senator Tulfo notes first hearing of Operation Romanov at January 2024 Mindanao leaders forum, referenced by Mayor Baste

• NBI Director Melvin Matibag requests early testimony due to Federal Bureau of Investigation‘s regional summit invitation on scam centre compounds and transnational crime

• Senator Judge Alan Cayetano objects strongly, calling request “bad taste” and “dangerous precedent” for court authority

• Cayetano argues government officials should not be allowed to dictate testimony schedules

• Prosecution agrees to advance Matibag’s testimony by one day only

• Objection entered into trial record

Episode Description:

Day 3 of the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial focused on the NBI’s investigation of the VP’s threat statements in two 2024 press conferences. Cyber investigator John Mark Khalilong presented video evidence; the defense spent nine hours challenging investigation methodology, impartiality, and legal sufficiency. The DOJ’s initial rejection of the evidence on seven grounds, the absence of formal complaints from alleged offended parties, and defense arguments that grave threats are not impeachable offenses dominated the hearing.

Key Points:

• NBI Senior Agent John Mark Khalilong testified on the investigation into VP Duterte’s October 18 and November 23, 2024 press conference statements, where she said she had contracted someone to kill President Marcos, the First Lady, and former Speaker Romualdo.

• Video evidence (2-hour recording) was presented from November 23 press conference; VP also discussed “Operation Romanov” (alleged plot to kill her family) and threats to her safety.

• NBI submitted first affidavit of investigation (February 10, 2025) concluding grave threats and inciting to sedition; DOJ initially rejected it (February 5) on seven grounds, including missing offended-party affidavits and chain-of-custody concerns.

• NBI revised affidavit addressing DOJ concerns; DOJ re-approved it (February 14) for preliminary investigation.

• Defense cross-examination (9 hours) challenged: NBI impartiality (agency under Marcos-controlled DOJ), missing complaints from Marcos/First Lady/Speaker, transcription discrepancies, and conditional nature of VP’s statements.

• Defense closing argument contended: grave threats and sedition are not impeachable offenses; VP’s statements were contextual response to threats against her family; no proof of actual assassination contract.

• Next witnesses: Attorney Jeremy Loto (Monday), Attorney Zulika Lopez (Tuesday), Captain Belinda Pelio (Wednesday).

Sources Used:

• Official Senate Impeachment Trial Transcript, Day 3 (July 17–18, 2026). Direct examination, cross-examination, and closing argument. Witness: NBI Senior Agent John Mark Khalilong. Prosecution exhibits: P-4-10 (USB video recording, November 23, 2024 press conference). Defense exhibits: D-4-29 (DOJ certification, February 5, 2025), D-4-43 (NBI Director letter, February 11, 2025).

• Court schedule and administrative notices (witness names, dates for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday hearings, subpoena orders).

On Day 2 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors presented a November 2024 video in which Duterte was seen making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. The clip was played before the Senate impeachment court after prosecutors called an NBI official to help identify and authenticate the footage.

The video segment shown in court ran for 2 minutes and 18 seconds and was taken from a longer two-hour press conference broadcast on the Facebook page of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Presiding Officer Francis Escudero allowed the prosecution to present the clip for identification while saying the defense would also be allowed to present evidence it believes supports Duterte’s innocence.

Prosecutors said they want the full two-hour video entered as evidence, but the Senate impeachment court has yet to rule on whether it will be formally admitted. Duterte’s camp has argued that her remarks were protected as freedom of expression, while reporting from Day 2 also noted that she appeared briefly at the Senate and struck a defiant tone as proceedings resumed.

Audio courtesy of Senate of the Philippines

The Senate formally opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, July 6, beginning a high-stakes constitutional process that could determine whether she remains in office. Day 1 centred on the opening of the impeachment court, appearances by both sides, and the prosecution’s opening case against Duterte.

What happened

House prosecutors opened by arguing that Duterte betrayed public trust. The case was anchored on allegations that include misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and death threats; Duterte has denied the accusations. House lead prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro delivered the opening statement for the prosecution panel as proceedings got underway.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court at 2 p.m., and Duterte was ordered to appear either in person or through legal counsel after the issuance of a summons. Ahead of the session, defence spokesperson Michael Poa said Duterte’s physical attendance would depend on how the proceedings unfolded, while authorities placed Metro Manila police on full alert ahead of the opening. gmanetwork+1

Why it matters

The opening session marks the formal start of one of the country’s most consequential political and legal proceedings, with the Senate now acting as the body that will hear arguments, evidence, and witnesses. Reports ahead of the session said the first day would likely focus heavily on procedural issues before the fuller presentation of evidence and witnesses.

Audio courtesy of Senate of The Philippine