LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte | July 13, 2026

Senator-judges will decide on the proposal to hold Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial in the morning instead of afternoon.

The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumed Monday with the prosecution presenting NBI official Jeremy Lotoc.

The Senate impeachment court has issued a subpoena for NBI Director Melvin Matibag to testify before the body on July 20.

According to Tolosa, Mas was arrested even if it is evident that the teacher does not have the capacity to provide the bounty he claimed. 

Before questioning Vinluan, Bam Aquino asked Lotoc whether they found any denial from Duterte during the course of their investigation.

Senator-Judge Bam Aquino on Monday questioned defense team on whether she had ever publicly denied allegations that she hired a hitman./dp

Prosecution witness, NBI official Jeremy Loto believes VP Duterte had already contacted with an alleged assassin before 2024 presser.

“In those utterances, the vice president said “Don’t stop until you kill them,” it shows persistence on the part of Sara Duterte…”

The Senate impeachment court adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.The defense will continue its cross-examination of NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc. The prosecution is also expected to call Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez as its next witness.… pic.twitter.com/EKqoS6uYIo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan asked NBI-BARMM Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc about the bureau's efforts to investigate Vice President Sara Duterte's claims of threats against her life.Lotoc said the NBI conducted open-source monitoring but found no verified information… pic.twitter.com/havJCn4JJf

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

‘VERY UNBECOMING PARA SA PANGALAWANG PANGULO’Rep. Joel Chua, the complainant in the grave threats case against Vice President Sara Duterte, said he initially feared her alleged remarks, adding that the videos presented in connection with the case allegedly showed a "violent… pic.twitter.com/XQy3Z2okT4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

When does protected speech cross the line into a crime?NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc told the Senate impeachment court that speech may lose constitutional protection when it tends to incite illegal acts or create chaos, citing the "dangerous tendency" rule. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/UjcSS1A3xM

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Castro added that if Vice President Duterte has sufficient evidence to prove her innocence, she is free to run in the 2028 elections.

“Don't you think there was bias against VP Sara?”LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan asked NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc whether, considering the relationship among NBI, DOJ, and the Office of the President, he believed there was bias against VP Sara Duterte in the… pic.twitter.com/fsOwQahJHw

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Senator-judge Bam Aquino questioned whether the defense had explicitly denied the allegation that Vice President Sara Duterte hired an assassin.Defense counsel Mark Vinluan said the denial was already in the defense's answer before the Senate impeachment court, but Aquino said… pic.twitter.com/6hVk0uvA4I

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan questioned whether the NBI's investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte was conducted motu proprio or upon the Department of Justice's directive.NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc said NBI had already begun its investigation motu proprio… pic.twitter.com/MCha87Lj8h

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc said the bureau found prima facie evidence to support filing criminal complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte for grave threats and inciting to sedition. #VPonTrialWatch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpYO1Follow our live… pic.twitter.com/2NGlbRjipT

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

'SOBRANG TAGAL NA NG KASO NIYO SA DOJ'LOOK: Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo urged the NBI to ensure future complaints are "airtight," saying cases could be be dismissed on technicalities if they are not thoroughly prepared.The remark came after NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc… pic.twitter.com/ICSUiy25Eg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Lotoc then said, if that were the case, anyone can then order anyone to kill whoever senator or judge if something happened.

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan questioned the timeline of the NBI’s affidavits, noting that Agent John Mark Calilung’s affidavit was dated Feb. 3, 2025, even though the DOJ’s certification requiring case buildup was issued on Feb. 5.

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc said… pic.twitter.com/AOdjPFwcVT

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Senator-judge Imee Marcos questions NBI official Jeremy Lotoc over the timeline of the investigation into VP Sara Duterte’s remarks.

While Lotoc said the probe was ordered after Duterte’s November 23 online press conference, Marcos noted that a subpoena seeking a copy of the… pic.twitter.com/B0HyxYGDkg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

“NAKULANGAN YUNG DOJ”

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan began his cross-examination of NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc.

Vinluan presents Feb. 5, 2025 DOJ certification stating the NBI affidavit was “insufficient for conduct of preliminary investigation” and should first… pic.twitter.com/j2AjrpxhXJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Senator-Judge Imee Marcos and House prosecution counsel, Amando Ligutan, clashed over typographical errors in a witness subpoena.

In saying that Duterte’s threats were serious and real, Lotoc also cited the manner in which  she uttered her assassination remark.

President Marcos Jr. will review and determine the appropriate course of action should he receive a request to open the “green box”.

The prosecution panel presented on Monday, July 13, its second witness, National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc.

‘THE VICE PRESIDENT WAS FURIOUS AND FUMING MAD’

Atty. Jeremy Lotoc says that Vice President Sara Duterte was “furious and fuming mad” during her controversial press briefing, explaining that a video review showed Duterte cursing at President Marcos, the First Lady, and the… pic.twitter.com/3geehGkrb2

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

“November 23 ang utos, pero November 6 pa lang may subpoena na. Bakit ganun?”

Sen. Imee Marcos presses NBI official Jeremy Lotoc on the timeline of their investigation.

Lotoc testified that the order to investigate VP Duterte’s utterances came after the November 23 online… pic.twitter.com/6LSNBV5gtG

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

The NBI is mandated by law to investigate Vice President Sara Duterte’s threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., says an NBI witness.

LOOK: NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc said the bureau believed Vice President Sara Duterte had already spoken to an alleged assassin before her Nov. 23, 2024 online press conference.

“Nakita namin may kinausap na siya even before the press conference… We believe na hindi… pic.twitter.com/8iAOccA5Ct

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

“Your honor, may I be allowed to make the manifestation?” defense lawyer Mark Vinluan said, interrupting Ligutan who was speaking in Waray. 

LOOK: Senator-judge asks NBI official Jeremy Lotoc whether the NBI established a real and imminent threat to Vice President Sara Duterte’s life.

Lotoc says no validated or actionable information was found to confirm such a threat. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ

Watch the live… pic.twitter.com/p02hHBM078

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

The defense panel has maintained that Duterte’s statements (NBI) were part of free speech, but several government officials and…

Senator-judges Camille and Mark Villar also exited at around 2:56 p.m. Camille returned at 3:39 p.m., while Mark came back over…

VP Sara Duterte’s defense team on Monday said it will present witnesses to prove the existence of the so-called “Operation Romanov.”

“Matibag was not included, in fact I don’t think we issued a subpoena for Director Matibag for this week given your manifestation after…”

Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros asked when protected speech crosses the line into a grave threat.

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc replied that the NBI applied the dangerous tendency rule, saying speech may lose protection if it tends to incite illegal acts or create chaos, and… pic.twitter.com/ad0T3Xr9SP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

LOOK: Senator-judge Bam Aquino asked the defense to clarify whether it had denied that Vice President Sara Duterte hired an assassin.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan said the defense had denied the allegation and would present evidence to support its position.

Aquino then asked… pic.twitter.com/gjvlUvYH06

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

LOOK: Prosecutors present video clips showing Vice President Sara Duterte hurling invectives at least seven times during an Oct. 18, 2024 event, weeks before she said she had hired an assassin during a Nov. 23 press conference.

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc says the earlier… pic.twitter.com/V9xiyChKQg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Senator-judge Alan Peter-Cayetano returned to the session hall at 3:48 p.m. almost an hour since he left amid the ongoing impeachment trial at 2:51 p.m. Senator-judges Robin Padilla, Mark and Camille Villar, and Imee Marcos were also seen leaving at least 20 minutes at a time.… pic.twitter.com/MkMCPONLFF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

LOOK: Presiding Officer Francis Escudero asked whether the NBI found sufficient basis to file criminal complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc: Yes, Your Honor. Based on our findings, we believe that the vice president committed the… pic.twitter.com/stcgP3hXH7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

‘SERIOUS AND ACTUAL’

Atty. Jeremy Lotoc categorizes the statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte as a “real and actual threat,” stressing that security assessment cannot be taken lightly given the gravity of the utterances directed at the President. #VPonTrial

Watch the… pic.twitter.com/rRZpcea3Nn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

‘HINDI MAKAKAHANDA’

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian flags the potential introduction of surprise witnesses in the ongoing trial, noting it could disrupt the preparation of senator-judges. #VPonTrial

Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpqYt

Follow our live… pic.twitter.com/YR9WqoTzw0

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora speaks with Inquirer.net’s Belle Pechay as the impeachment court enters Week 2 of the trial.

The House prosecution team in Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial would cooperate with the Senate impeachment court.

House prosecutors appeared OK with specific requests made by the camp of VP Sara Duterte for a customizable holding room in the Senate.

According to Poa, Sara Duterte’s pronouncements should not be taken as violent as the vice president did not intend to insinuate that.

LOOK: Prosecutors present a Nov. 25, 2024 subpoena issued to Vice President Sara Duterte, followed by her Nov. 28, 2024 response.

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testifies Duterte did not personally appear before the NBI and instead sent her lawyer, citing official duties.… pic.twitter.com/0hCgtydTZQ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan says they intend to present evidence on Operation Romanov or the alleged assassination plot against Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial

· Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpYO1

· Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/QmV44rToIY pic.twitter.com/0A71DwkJ97

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc takes the stand as the prosecution’s second witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ

· Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpYO1

· Follow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/QluFKGOiFr

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Senate impeachment court deferred ruling on NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s request to move up his testimony due to a scheduled FBI meeting.

The prosecution was ordered to submit Matibag’s letter and, if available, his travel authority for the court’s review. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/CxWo6WlkYo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

VP Sara Duterte’s defense team holds a press briefing on Monday, July 13, ahead of the resumption of her impeachment trial at the Senate.

‘JUST A SPECTATOR’

The camp of VP Sara Duterte handles expectations regarding her potential appearance at the trial this week. According to Atty. Michael Poa, while they remain on standby, she currently has no formal participation in the proceedings. #VPonTrial

· Watch the live… pic.twitter.com/dMBmMtmJ8z

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan says they intend to present evidence on Operation Romanov or the alleged assassination plot against Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ

· Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpYO1

· Follow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/9YR5eVMx9J

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

#VPonTrial resumes Monday, July 13, as the Senate impeachment court begins the second week of proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

19 senator-judges present. | @AprBenjaminINQ

· Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/JKPRclpqYt

· Follow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/eADmiZBbnt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

Impeachment prosecutors aim to establish in this week’s proceedings whether Vice President Sara Duterte is fit to hold the second-highest office in the country.

The prosecution team will not be intimidated if Vice President Sara Duterte attends her impeachment trial, its members said on Monday, as the nation’s second-highest official has yet to appear in the proceedings. #VPonTrial

READ MORE: https://t.co/ZMoSNolgfT

· Watch the live… pic.twitter.com/ulkUCWkWeN

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

The prosecution team will not be intimidated if Vice President Sara Duterte attends her impeachment trial, its members said on Monday.

The impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte on Monday enters second week as senator-judges and House prosecutors push for a faster process.

The second week of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will open on Monday with the testimony of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc. #VPonTrial

READ MORE: https://t.co/UtWLndijdA

· Watch the live stream here:… pic.twitter.com/zNPfmC1V6P

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 13, 2026

The second week of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial will open on Monday with the testimony of NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc.

VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial enters its second week with the Senate moving to make the proceedings more transparent and efficient.