Philippines' Sara Duterte impeachment trial enters Day 9 with NBI director Melvin Matibag on the witness stand

Summary

The Philippines Senate impeachment court entered Day 9 of the Sara Duterte impeachment trial on July 22, 2026, with National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag continuing to testify, per the Philippine Daily Inquirer. GMA Network and the Philippine Star both provided simultaneous live updates. Three major Philippine outlets covered Day 9 proceedings, with the Inquirer noting NBI director Matibag was already on the witness stand when the session opened.

The split

All three sources are major Philippine outlets providing live coverage of the same session. The Philippine Daily Inquirer offered the only substantive detail about Day 9 proceedings, naming NBI director Matibag as the witness. GMA Network's description referred to the session as "Wednesday, July 21" while the trial was held on July 22, a date discrepancy in the broadcaster's coverage. Philippine Star kept its description generic. No international coverage of the Day 9 session appears in the feed.

By the numbers

• 9, day number of the Sara Duterte impeachment trial as of July 22, 2026
• 1, named witness in Day 9 coverage: National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag

Why it matters

Day 9 of the Philippines' Sara Duterte impeachment trial sees NBI director testimony, marking a shift toward law enforcement agency witnesses who carry institutional weight in the evidentiary phase. The pace at which the trial advances reflects the political dynamics between the current Marcos administration and the Duterte political network.

What to watch

• The substance of NBI director Matibag's testimony and what allegations it addresses
• Whether the defense challenges Matibag's testimony or files a Supreme Court petition on financial record subpoenas
• The trial's next scheduled session and the pace at which evidence is being entered