LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte | July 21, 2026

Day 8 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial centers on the testimony of NBI chief Melvin Matibag involving threats made against the president.

Threats against the president also threaten national security, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said at the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte.

VP Sara Duterte’s legal team on Tuesday said it has yet to consider inviting NBI Director Melvin Matibag as one of its own witnesses

Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced on Tuesday at the end of the eighth day of Duterte’s

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan asked the court if it could continue the rest of its cross-examination of Matibag in Senate impeachment court

'DO YOUR JOB'Sen. Judge Pia Cayetano questions the prosecution’s presentation of self-confessed Davao Death Squad member Arturo Lascañas’ affidavit, asking whether the document was properly authenticated under evidence rules.She tells the prosecution to present the proper… pic.twitter.com/kdJlF964Gv

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

Trust rating vs betrayal of public trust: Pangilinan asks MatibagSen. Judge Kiko Pangilinan asks NBI Director Melvin Matibag whether Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating affects a finding of betrayal of public trust.Matibag says surveys are only a “snapshot” and that… pic.twitter.com/YkAV4anj4J

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan questions NBI Director Melvin Matibag after he confirms that his wife, Rep. Ann Matibag, is among the endorsers of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.Matibag maintains that “the job of my wife as a legislator is totally… pic.twitter.com/dUjQJUDyoV

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

NBI Director Melvin Matibag gives a “100%” probability hat VP Sara Duterte spoke to someone to carry out the alleged killings, citing Duterte’s own statement that she had spoken to someone who agreed to the plan. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLeD4d… pic.twitter.com/eA9bNdT5SF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

NBI Director Melvin Matibag took the witness stand on Tuesday, July 21, as the Senate impeachment court continued hearing Article IV (grave threats) in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.Here are the key developments from Day 8 of the trial. #VPonTrialFollow… pic.twitter.com/NqsczZpcKL

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

Matibag made a comparison between the statements of the Sara Duterte and her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte

Advocates for good governance welcomed the decision of the Senate impeachment court to subpoena the bank and tax records of VP Sara Duterte,

Matibag is the third and last witness from the prosecution panel for Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment…

VP Sara Duterte’s bank records may reveal more than the transaction summaries previously submitted by AMLC, says Rep. Leila de Lima.

Alan Peter Cayetano’s objection to the subpoena of VP Sara Duterte’s financial records can’t overturn the ruling, House prosecutors say.

‘ANY LAW STUDENT, EVEN YUNG MGA KABABAYAN NATIN, WILL TELL YOU NA HINDI ACCEPTABLE ‘YON’Senator-judge Pia Cayetano challenges the prosecution’s presentation of evidence and witness testimony, raising questions about the authenticity of the documents submitted and the decision… pic.twitter.com/jZBtFbSJLk

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

The Senate impeachment court is adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.NBI Director Melvin Matibag is expected to return to continue his testimony, including cross-examination, redirect, recross, and questions from senator-judges.Impeachment court recalls subpoenas for… pic.twitter.com/56qLehu0Ro

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘ANG TAWAG NIYA KAY INDAY SARA AY BRATINELLA’NBI Director Melvin Matibag explained his 2024 opinion columns about Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the term “bratinella” was not his own and that he had heard former President Rodrigo Duterte use it as a nickname for his… pic.twitter.com/tFDukUZNT8

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

“Nakasisiguro po na mayroong kinausap."Sen. Bam Aquino asks NBI Director Melvin Matibag what percentage he would give to the probability that VP Sara Duterte had spoken to someone to carry out the alleged killings.Matibag answers 100 percent, saying his assessment is based on… pic.twitter.com/mmK3prFhCh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

'HINDI PALA PATAS ANG NBI?'Sen. Raffy Tulfo compares the case of Ronel Mas, who was arrested without a warrant over an alleged threat against former President Rodrigo Duterte, with Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Tulfo asks… pic.twitter.com/YSJM9y6kcV

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

NO WRITTEN SUBPOENADefense Counsel Mark Vinluan questions National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on his presence at the Senate during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on Tuesday, July 12.After Matibag admitted on record that his wife is… pic.twitter.com/kZXGs1mlri

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘HINDI KO NARINIG ANG HEARSAY GINAMIT ANG SALITANG TSISMIS’Atty. Mark Vinluan used his own Tagalog translation of the legal term “hearsay” as “tsismis” while questioning NBI Director Melvin Matibag during the impeachment trial, challenging the NBI chief on the rule that a… pic.twitter.com/OAdMAdOtou

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

'INDAY SARA, THE BRATINELLA'LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan asks NBI Director Melvin Matibag about opinion columns he wrote in 2024 criticizing Vice President Sara Duterte.Matibag confirms he wrote them but says they were his views as a columnist, separate from being NBI… pic.twitter.com/Iqriye2bA3

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan presents an SWS trust rating for Vice President Sara Duterte and asks whether public perception affects the NBI’s investigation.The prosecution objects, saying the survey is irrelevant to the impeachment trial. Vinluan cites “betrayal of… pic.twitter.com/3LuUZNvTdP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan asks NBI Director Melvin Matibag whether his testimony is "premature," pointing out that the bureau is still pursuing leads in its investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged plot to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Matibag… pic.twitter.com/NfGfDevAgH

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘HINDI PA KO NBI DIRECTOR NUNG PANAHON NA ‘YON’Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan asks NBI Director Melvin Matibag about his knowledge of the agency’s investigation of Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial statement during a press conference in November 2024. Matibag stated he… pic.twitter.com/OCIFXj9Rmg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

"Yes, my wife is one of the endorsers of the impeachment."NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that his wife, Maria Rene Ann Matibag is among the endorsers of the impeachment complaint.He adds that wife's role as a legislator is "totally detached" from his duties as NBI… pic.twitter.com/y5pJwvuBZz

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

The House prosecution denies the claim that Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached before any evidence was collected.

"Yes, my wife is one of the endorsers of the impeachment."NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that his wife, Maria Rene Ann Matibag is among the endorsers of the impeachment complaint.He adds that wife's role as a legislator is "totally detached" from his duties as NBI… pic.twitter.com/y5pJwvuBZz

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan shares a photo with his fellow members of the House prosecutors panel on the eighth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, July 21.“Let’s go!” Ligutan captions. #VPonTrial | 📷: Ligutan/Facebook via Danna Engracia,… pic.twitter.com/N07JfWQP35

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan notes that NBI Director Melvin Matibag recently ordered an investigation into the 2019 SEA Games.He asks whether the NBI also plans to investigate the corruption allegations VP Sara Duterte made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Matibag… pic.twitter.com/491Dne5N7Q

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

As Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial entered its eighth day, Akbayan Representative and House prosecutor Chel Diokno told members of the media covering the proceedings that he hopes they would also become good lawyers by the time the trial concludes. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/6gNqZAdIfd

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan questions NBI Director Melvin Matibag about his knowledge of the NBI's investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's November 2024 remarks.Matibag, who was appointed NBI director in February 2026, admits he has no personal knowledge of the… pic.twitter.com/0XsKk1Sb05

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan begins cross-examination of prosecution witness NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Article IV, pertaining to Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged grave threats. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLeD4d… pic.twitter.com/QWmC5HiUqA

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

“Mayroon po tayong mga leads.”NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI has identified "persons of interest" in its ongoing investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged plot to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but declined to identify them. #VPonTrialFollow our… pic.twitter.com/JsnCQvNP3m

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI formed a special task force because it viewed Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threats as "not just a threat, but a plan to kill the President" and a threat to national security. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/cPaaI6bs3o

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

Moments after NBI Director Melvin Matibag took the witness stand in the Duterte impeachment trial, Presiding Officer Francis Escudero reminded him to avoid making public statements about individual senator-judges that could undermine the impeachment court's integrity. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/LyuQiWg8lC

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate impeachment court’s order to subpoena the financial and tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte will be a “big step forward” in presenting evidence for the second article of impeachment filed against her, which involves unexplained wealth

Senator-judge Robin Padilla objects to the ruling of presiding officer to have the financial records of the vice president subpoenaed.

These threats, said Matibag, were determined by the NBI as “serious, active and continuing,” pointing out that due to its nature are both

The video footage of Vice President Sara Duterte when she was Davao City mayor punching a sheriff was presented at the impeachment trial.

WITNESS ON THE STANDLOOK: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testifies before the Senate impeachment court at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 21.Matibag took the stand on Day 8 of the impeachment trial of Vice President… pic.twitter.com/6LCo20Nk5r

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

JUST IN: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI has identified persons of interest in its ongoing investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged plot to kill President Marcos, but refuses to identify them in open court, citing the continuing investigation. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/jsx2DdNcyF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: On the criterion of capacity, NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI considered VP Sara Duterte's alleged ability to carry out the threat, citing her family's long political influence in Davao and "broad network," including alleged ties with members of the military and… pic.twitter.com/CEdUaqmFN0

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Defense counsel Mark Vinluan objects to NBI Director Melvin Matibag reading portions of Arturo Lascañas' document, saying it is "purely hearsay" and "already creates an impression" that could mislead the senator-judges and the public."The reading of this this document… pic.twitter.com/wv2QLQ6SC6

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘NANGGAGALING SA IISANG PAMILYA ANG PAGBABANTA’Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro questions NBI Director Melvin Matibag on the connection between the statements of Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, based on videos shown in the impeachment court.… pic.twitter.com/jvaR8Mn1vw

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

The Senate impeachment court admonishes NBI Director Melvin Matibag over his previous pronouncements involving some of senators.

LOOK: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI considered the affidavit of self-confessed Davao Death Squad member Arturo Lascañas as part of its assessment of what it described as a pattern of violence involving Vice President Sara Duterte.The defense noted that the Lascañas… pic.twitter.com/BWKv3UWzKp

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

READ: The Office of the Vice President confirms that Vice President Sara Duterte has left for an overseas trip, with scheduled stops in Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.Her departure comes as her impeachment trial enters its eighth day on Tuesday, July 21.… pic.twitter.com/An6aYFOkaU

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘ULO NI BONGBONG MARCOS’NBI Director Melvin Matibag cited similarities between separate statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte in October 2024 and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte in April 2026 about beheading President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of the agency’s… pic.twitter.com/3mySwIRb0n

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the NBI used five criteria in its assessment of VP Sara Duterte's statements: pattern of violence; gravity and seriousness of the incident; identity of those involved; capability/capacity; and motive and intent.To establish what he… pic.twitter.com/SDHfAxmGCx

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: NBI Director Melvin Matibag says they included Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte's Rage Coalition speech in its assessment because it allegedly showed the impact of Vice President Sara Duterte's statements on her supporters.He said the Special Task Force monitored such… pic.twitter.com/4xafVOuE1F

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

The Senate impeachment court on Tuesday admonished NBI head Melvin Matibag over statements on some senator-judges.

Vice President Sara Duterte is currently in The Hague, Netherlands even as the impeachment trial enters its eighth day

Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial lawyers on Tuesday said they were “shocked” that most parts of the ruling

However, at the end of the trial on Monday, the Senate Impeachment Court granted the prosecution panel’s request to subpoena Duterte’s

LOOK: The prosecution played the video of Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte during a RAGE coalition on April 12, where he said: “Isang ulo lang ang kailangan namin, ulo ng pangulo.”NBI Melvin Matibag said they found similarities to the utterances of Vice President Sara Duterte in… pic.twitter.com/Yj9DHMyHc4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

‘A THREAT TO OUR PRESIDENT IS ALSO A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY’NBI Director Melvin Matibag said a special task force has been formed to investigate the alleged death threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte against the president, the first lady, and the former House… pic.twitter.com/EefVer5SVO

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

Presiding officer Francis Escudero reminded and admonished NBI Director Melvin Matibag to refrain from making public statements about individual senator-judges that could undermine the impeachment court's independence or integrity.He also said concerns raised by Senators Alan… pic.twitter.com/5hShjGW3Fn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: NBI Director Melvin Matibag takes the witness stand as the prosecution concludes its presentation of evidence under Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLe5eFWatch the live stream here:… pic.twitter.com/1589KLpdCW

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

LOOK: Senator-judge Panfilo "Ping" Lacson leads the opening prayer as the Senate enters the eighth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLe5eFWatch the live stream here: https://t.co/XNXRZVsOIH pic.twitter.com/jbTcIq0TDJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

WATCH: NBI Director Melvin Matibag arrived at the Senate ahead of the eighth day of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Matibag will be the last to testify on Duterte’s alleged grave threats. #VPonTrial | @keithcINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLeD4dWatch… pic.twitter.com/pRVMLxn1Hy

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

The House prosecution panel is awaiting what it described as a “whale’s worth of evidence” against Vice President Sara Duterte.

LOOK: The Senate impeachment court conducted a conference on the marking of additional evidence in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. #VPonTrial | 📷: Senate PRIB via @zacariansINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/UdILYLe5eFWatch the live stream here:… pic.twitter.com/QTk6tr9WaE

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2026

House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno and prosecution spokesperson lawyer Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. hold a press briefing on Tuesday, July 21.

Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson took a dig at a “bopol” senator-judge, who ruined the experience of listening to good lawyers during the Duterte impeachment trial.

All eyes will be on NBI Director Melvin Matibag as the Senate impeachment court resumes trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag is scheduled to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged grave threats on Tuesday, the eighth day of her impeachment trial.

The Senate impeachment court on Monday authorized subpoenas for her bank, tax, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records.