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Sara Duterte impeachment trial focuses on confidential fund misuse
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues, focusing on the alleged misuse of confidential funds at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, designated as a hostile witness, testified that she disbursed P500 million in cash to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, a security officer who was not a bonded official. Acosta stated that she followed Duterte’s instructions for these transfers and noted that the procedures used at the OVP mirrored those used during her tenure in Davao City.
Prosecution witnesses also revealed that Davao City received P1.84 billion in confidential funds during Duterte’s term as mayor. OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, also declared a hostile witness, testified that the OVP requested new confidential funds in 2022 because no funds remained from the previous administration. Ortonio further admitted that fund requests were made even before detailed utilization plans were established.
During the proceedings, the Senate impeachment court struck inflammatory language such as ‘scam’ and ‘mastermind’ from the official record. To expedite the trial, Senate leaders are considering shifting hearings to afternoon and evening sessions.
Entities
Francis Escudero · Gina Acosta · Lemuel Ortonio · Office of the Vice President · Philippine Senate · Philippines · Raymund Dante Lachica · Raymund Lachica · Sara Duterte · Senate of the Philippines
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Acosta released 500 million pesos in confidential funds to Col. Raymund Lachica, despite him not being a bonded official. mindanews.com · www.atinitonews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Col. Raymund Lachica reclaimed the signed acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds after liquidation reports were submitted. mindanews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Acknowledgment receipts listed unusual names, such as Antonio Pagong, who purportedly received 100,000 pesos for purchasing information.
- [DISPUTED] Gina Acosta testified she had no personal knowledge regarding the specific use of 500 million pesos in confidential funds. www.atinitonews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Acosta testified she did not personally witness Lachica making the payments to the recipients listed in the receipts. www.atinitonews.com
- [DISPUTED] Gina Acosta admitted to handing over P125 million in cash to Col. Raymund Lachica following instructions from Sara Duterte. www.inquirer.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The procedures for managing confidential funds in Davao City were replicated at the Office of the Vice President. negrosnowdaily.com · mindanews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The prosecution requested subpoenas for Colonels Manaros Boransing II, Magtanggol Panopio, and Adonis Bajao.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Davao City was allocated P460 million in confidential funds annually from 2019 to 2022. negrosnowdaily.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Senate majority is considering shifting impeachment hearings to afternoon and evening sessions to expedite the trial. massive.news
- [DISPUTED] Gina Acosta admitted to transferring P500 million in cash to Col. Raymund Lachica at the Office of the Vice President. negrosnowdaily.com · cebudailynews.inquirer.net · www.atinitonews.com · abogado.com.ph · mindanews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lemuel Ortonio is scheduled to testify regarding his alleged role in transporting confidential funds. cebudailynews.inquirer.net