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AFP officers testify in Sara Duterte impeachment trial over DepEd funds
During the ninth week of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, military officers testified that certifications issued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were used by the Department of Education (DepEd) to justify the liquidation of P15.54 million in confidential funds.
Col. Manaros Boransing II testified that his unit received no funds from DepEd or the Office of the Vice President for the 2023 Youth Leadership Summits. He stated he issued a certification regarding the conduct of these activities under the assumption it was for attendance purposes, not for financial justification. Similarly, Col. Magtanggol Panopio testified that his certification was intended only to confirm the occurrence of youth activities and was not meant to certify any monetary or fund-related matters.
The House prosecution panel is working to conclude its presentation of evidence regarding the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds. Prosecutors expect to wrap up this portion of the trial by next week, potentially moving to the next article of impeachment. Upcoming testimony is expected from Michael Poa, a former DepEd official now serving on Duterte’s legal team, who may be called as a hostile witness.
Entities
Armed Forces of the Philippines · Department of Education · Manaros Boransing II · Michael Poa · Sara Duterte · Senate of the Philippines
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Article I of the impeachment trial involves allegations regarding the misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds. canadianinquirer.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] DepEd used military certifications to justify the liquidation of P15.54 million in confidential fund rewards to the Commission on Audit. ptvnews.ph · abogado.com.ph
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The prosecution aims to complete evidence presentation on the alleged misuse of confidential funds by next week. canadianinquirer.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] His unit received no funds from the Department of Education or the Office of the Vice President for 2023 youth summits. abogado.com.ph
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The certification issued by Panopio was intended only to confirm the conduct of youth activities, not to certify any financial transactions. ptvnews.ph