Tulfo questions witness’s shift to Cebuano in Duterte impeachment trial

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 18, 2026

Photo courtesy: PNA/Sen. Erwin Tulfo Facebook Page

MANILA — Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo on Monday challenged the credibility of a witness testifying in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, questioning why she was answering questions in Cebuano despite having responded in Tagalog during an earlier congressional hearing.

The exchange took place on Day 16 of the impeachment trial, as Gina Acosta, Duterte’s former special disbursing officer at the Office of the Vice President, answered questions from senators only in Cebuano, requiring translation into Tagalog.

“Hindi ko po maintindihan bakit parang dito hirap na hirap po siya mag-Tagalog when in fact sa Congress po noong November, Tagalog naman po ang sagot niya,” Tulfo said, noting the inconsistency between her past and present testimony.

Tulfo pointed to a transcript of Acosta’s testimony before the House of Representatives in November, in which she appeared to answer questions in both Tagalog and English without difficulty. He cited portions of that earlier transcript where Acosta discussed incentive payments and the scope of her authority as a special disbursing officer, and argued that requiring translation between Tagalog and Cebuano could delay the proceedings.

“Mr. President, tama na po itong panloloko sa atin,” Tulfo said, calling on the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to direct Acosta to testify in Tagalog. He maintained that her previous testimony showed she was capable of understanding and speaking the language.

“Sumagot naman po siya. Alangan ba naman, lolokohin tayo ng nagta-transcribe po nito,” he added.

Tulfo’s questioning came as senators pressed Acosta over her role in the handling and disbursement of confidential funds during Duterte’s time as vice president — a central issue in the impeachment proceedings now in their third week.

The trial is expected to continue with further questioning of Acosta on the disbursement records tied to the Office of the Vice President.