LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 24, 2026

Senator-judge Lito Lapid broke his silence during Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s mpeachment trial on Monday.

Vice President Sara Duterte herself approved the use of four traveling bags for transporting P125 million in confidential funds in 2022.

Ex-OVP SDO Gina Acosta’s answers show signs of coaching, public prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Monday.

“NAAAWA AKO SA ’YO.”Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo tells former OVP SDO Gina Acosta that he believes she is not corrupt and did not take even a single centavo from the hundreds of millions in confidential funds. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCFKSW… pic.twitter.com/Lli4x967lj

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s former special disbursing officer, Gina Acosta has expressed her full trust in the Vice President’s use of CFs. 

During the 17th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro called on the impeachment court

The presentation of ex-DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda before the Senate Impeachment Court hearing the case of Vice President Sara Duterte has been moved to Sept. 7.

“Ayoko na marinig ‘yong template.”Senator-judge Vicente Sotto III ends his interjection after former OVP SDO Gina Acosta repetitive answers about the transfer of confidential funds to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/jlu06vXMXf

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta repeatedly pointed to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica when asked the disbursement of confidential funds during Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.Here are the key moments from the… pic.twitter.com/jqD7Uv6vQh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

“Papasalamat ako kung totoong Lapid ‘yon”Senator-judge Lito Lapid asks about the inclusion of the surname “Lapid” in the list of confidential fund recipients. He says he would be grateful if his “relatives” had really received the funds. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates… pic.twitter.com/tWbwFBQkCN

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

The prosecution does not subscribe to the idea that former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta is dumb

Rep. Terry Ridon believes that Gina Acosta will be arrested and jailed over her admissions but said VP Sara Duterte should go with her

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Monday characterized former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta as “stupid in the name of blind loyalty.”

The name Clarisse Hontiveros appeared in an acknowledgement receipt  (AR) presented during Duterte’s impeachment trial last August 11

Atty. Amando Ligutan noted former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta’s apparent ease in answering in Filipino during the defense panel’s questioning.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo confronts Gina Acosta over red flags in the documentation of confidential funds, tells her as “stupid.”

More names surfaced in acknowledgment receipts related to the OVP confidential funds, during Day 17 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial.

Former special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta has admitted that she handed over the responsibility of disbursing confidential funds…

She gave the same answer when asked about the confidential funds worth a total of P75 million for the purchase of supplies

Senator-judge Imee Marcos asks former OVP SDO Gina Acosta whether Vice President Sara Duterte personally handled or took any of the confidential funds.Acosta says she never saw Duterte take or keep any of the money. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/UoQEmkyiEB

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

“Between you and Col. Lachica, ikaw ang pwedeng makulong.”Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan asks former OVP SDO Gina Acosta if she is aware that she could face imprisonment if misappropriation of confidential funds is proven. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/fFrqAQ8gHA

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘FAKE NEWS’Defense counsel spokesperson Michael Poa denied circulating reports that Vice President Sara Duterte had allegedly requested a private meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. #VPonTrialREAD RELATED STORY: https://t.co/uNOcK0DKrQ pic.twitter.com/CxXOFkgu3o

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

“NICE TRY, VAGUE.”Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan objects to defense counsel Lindon Bacquel’s question about former OVP SDO Gina Acosta’s “repetitive” answers. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCFKSWWatch the trial here: https://t.co/iOdqp75ZQf pic.twitter.com/qedpg6EGwt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta turned emotional when asked about her husband’s condition during Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying his condition was “not good.” #VPonTrial | 📷: Senate PRIBFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/tG9Ws95Dxx

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan points out hostile witness Gina Acosta’s “selective memory” and her ease in answering in Filipino after the defense completed its cross-examination in 30 minutes. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCGiIuWatch the trial… pic.twitter.com/f52lc421Eg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Sen. Raffy Tulfo calls witness Gina Acosta “stupid in the name of blind loyalty” after learning that she relied on information from former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica without questioning it. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCGiIuWatch… pic.twitter.com/b0iumExMZz

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

The prosecution does not subscribe to the idea that former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta is dumb

Rep. Terry Ridon believes that Gina Acosta will be arrested and jailed over her admissions but said VP Sara Duterte should go with her

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Monday characterized former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta as “stupid in the name of blind loyalty.”

The name Clarisse Hontiveros appeared in an acknowledgement receipt  (AR) presented during Duterte’s impeachment trial last August 11

The Senate impeachment court adjourns until 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 25.The next witness is OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCFKSWWatch our livestream here: https://t.co/iOdqp75ZQf pic.twitter.com/inOEFUOKwW

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Former DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, according to Presiding Officer Francis Escudero citing letter from a law firm.The impeachment court directs Senate Medical and Dental Bureau to examine Fajarda, validate his medical findings with… pic.twitter.com/aU5IiunI6T

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

"Naaawa ako sa 'yo."Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo tells former OVP SDO Gina Acosta: "I believe, in my heart, hindi ka korap ni singkong dulong wala kang ginalaw doon sa confidential funds na daan-daang milyon."He adds: "Ang masakit nito, 'yong mga taong nakinabang doon, ibinulsa… pic.twitter.com/iUeqtJj6IJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Atty. Amando Ligutan noted former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta’s apparent ease in answering in Filipino during the defense panel’s questioning.

‘PASALAMAT AKO KUNG TOTOONG LAPID ‘YON’Senator-judge Lito Lapid questioned the inclusion of the name “Lapid” in an acknowledgment receipt for OVP confidential funds. Former OVP SDO Gina Acosta said the document came from former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica.… pic.twitter.com/GCDO4SZK8u

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'PAPASALAMAT AKO KUNG NABIGYAN 'YONG KAMAG-ANAK KO.' LOOK: Senator-judge Lito Lapid asks former OVP SDO Gina Acosta about two confidential fund recipients with the surname “Lapid.”He says he would be grateful if the recipients were his relatives. "Sabi ng tatay ko, basta… pic.twitter.com/whws5GaTzl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘HINDI PO MAGANDA, I’M SORRY’Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta became emotional when Senator-judge Imee Marcos asked about her husband, whom she had visited in Davao City and is undergoing treatment. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/RPnFRLougo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'May pagkakataon ba na hinawakan ni VP Sara ang pera?' LOOK: Senator-judge Imee Marcos asks former OVP SDO Gina Acosta if Vice President Sara Duterte personally handled or took any amount from the confidential funds. Acosta said she never saw Duterte take or keep any of the… pic.twitter.com/xMvwx0bScP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘AYOKO NA MARINIG YUNG TEMPLATE’Senator-judge Vicente “Tito” Sotto III ended his interjections after former OVP SDO Gina Acosta repeatedly gave similar answers about disbursing confidential funds to Col. Raymund Lachica. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/dpxDl19nL2

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘YUNG PETSA NA BINAYARAN ANG CLARISSE HONTIVEROS AY BIRTHDAY KO’Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros flagged an acknowledgment receipt bearing the name ‘Clarisse Hontiveros’ and dated February 24, 2023—her birthday. Gina Acosta said she verified such entries with Col. Raymund Lachica… pic.twitter.com/DyOEAvplTs

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Sen. Raffy Tulfo confronts Gina Acosta over red flags in the documentation of confidential funds, tells her as “stupid.”

'Napakalaking coincidence' LOOK: Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros asks former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta if she knows whether all the information on the acknowledgment receipts is accurate.Hontiveros notes that an acknowledgment receipt bearing the recipient name… pic.twitter.com/UrERr0RYX7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

More names surfaced in acknowledgment receipts related to the OVP confidential funds, during Day 17 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial.

Former special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta has admitted that she handed over the responsibility of disbursing confidential funds…

She gave the same answer when asked about the confidential funds worth a total of P75 million for the purchase of supplies

Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel began cross-examining former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta,

Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel began cross-examining former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta,

Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan flagged that the witness “magically” remembered details of Davao City confidential funds (CF).

During Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the prosecution’s description of the handling of the OVP CF as possible “scam” was stricken from the record.

'WHEN WILL LACHICA TAKE THE WITNESS STAND?' LOOK: Prosecution has yet to decide if and when to present former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica as witness, according to Atty. Amando Ligutan.Senator-judge Joel Villanueva says he hopes Lachica will follow former OVP SDO… pic.twitter.com/Lg6MqXRuBk

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'SMART, AVERAGE, OR STUPID?' LOOK: Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo asks former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta how she considers herself: smart, average or stupid. Acosta says she considers herself average.Tulfo says that an "average" person given a list of names such… pic.twitter.com/YDtnH3ZLH7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'MAY APELYIDO BANG PUSA, PAGONG SA DAVAO?' LOOK: Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo asks former OVP SDO Gina Acosta if she is aware that names listed in acknowledgement receipts are not real names. Acosta the COA joint circular does not require names of the recipients. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/bZgbfZYk1I

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan asks former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta whether it was the method of procedure or “modus operandi” to give confidential funds to a non-bonded security officer.Presiding Officer Francis Escudero rephrases the question, asking… pic.twitter.com/5r6GdrNjMm

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘MAY UTAK PO AKO’Atty. Amando Ligutan questioned why Gina Acosta was chosen as an SDO despite having no training or knowledge of confidential activities, asking whether “common sense” was at least required in evaluating liquidation documents. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates… pic.twitter.com/JDbb8O7kwN

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'Alam niyo po ba, Ms. Gina Acosta, na ikaw ang maaaring makulong?' LOOK: Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan asks former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta if she is aware that she could face imprisonment if misappropriation of confidential funds is proven.“Hindi mo ba… pic.twitter.com/3N1NWmL64O

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Gina Acosta admits she has no acknowledgment receipts proving that security officer Col. Raymund Lachica received the P125 million.

MANILA, Philippines — Former special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta has maintained that she cannot remember the confidential funds (CF) allocated to Vice President Sara Duterte when she was still Davao City mayor from 2019 to 2022 — despite these reported instances being less than a decade ago

MANILA, Philippines — Former special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta has maintained that she cannot remember the confidential funds (CF) allocated to Vice President Sara Duterte when she was still Davao City mayor from 2019 to 2022 — despite these reported instances being less than a decade ago

‘NICE TRY’Atty. Amando Ligutan objected to Atty. Lyndon Bacquel’s "vague" questioning of Gina Acosta during the defense team's cross-examination. Bacquel subsequently withdrew the question. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCFKSWWatch our livestream… pic.twitter.com/xylte54CMu

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘KANINA SABI NIYA HINDI NIYA MAALALA’Atty. Amando Ligutan questioned the competence of hostile witness, former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, criticizing her for suddenly recalling details about what happened in Davao City during her time as the city’s SDO after… pic.twitter.com/2VsFcW6lUT

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'ACOSTA SAYS NO AOM, NS, ND ISSUED AGAINST HER AS DAVAO SDO'LOOK: Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel begins his cross-examination of former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, asking whether the Commission on Audit issued an audit observation memorandum, notice of… pic.twitter.com/6Oimt80vv7

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘DILI MAN AKO NAGTRABAHO SA HR’Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta said she could not confirm whether former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica was an OVP employee, despite releasing confidential funds to him on the instructions of Vice President Sara… pic.twitter.com/aIaTisnAOW

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

More names appear in acknowledgment receipts for the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds, based on documents submitted by former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica.Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta said she did not personally see… pic.twitter.com/rKbseeGZia

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Former OVP SDO Gina Acosta says she did not personally see former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica giving the confidential funds to the listed recipients. She said only relied on documents from Lachica.Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan: "Aside sa sinabi ni Col.… pic.twitter.com/Kg96OXKPJu

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte was able to conduct a tree-planting activity in Lanao del Norte this month, as pointed out by the prosecution.

‘MODUS OPERANDI?’

Atty. Amando Ligutan asked former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta if giving funds to an unbonded security officer and later retrieving acknowledgment receipts was their “modus operandi.” Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero rephrased the… pic.twitter.com/iJvUssJipS

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta confirms there were no official receipts for the P75 million worth of supplies, medical assistance and food aid.

She says she only received acknowledgment receipts from former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica.… pic.twitter.com/OzzBTpBvb6

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan questioned former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta over the alleged spending of P16 million in confidential funds on safe house rentals in just 11 days.

Ligutan asks: “Hindi po ba unconscionable and extravagant, as mentioned in… pic.twitter.com/D1YgqW60cJ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta admits that she disbursed the confidential funds to OVP’s security officer.

‘SURVEILLANCE BEFORE TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES’

Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta said security personnel conducted surveillance before the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) tree planting activities to assess whether the area was safe.

Atty. Amando Virgul… pic.twitter.com/8P9z2SCsv4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Former OVP SDO Gina Acosta says she no longer has copies of the documents showing that she released the P125 million confidential funds to Col. Raymund Lachica.

She says Lachica took back the documents, but she had already prepared a liquidation report and submitted it to… pic.twitter.com/hA0ohgJRzn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

'OVP TREE PLANTING WITHOUT CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS'

LOOK: Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan presents photos of Vice President Sara Duterte conducting a tree-planting activity earlier this month.

Ligutan: “Despite the absence of confidential funds, nakapag-tree planting ang Vice… pic.twitter.com/r3PNcfgUQQ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Gina Acosta confirms that she posted a fidelity bond with the Bureau of the Treasury, citing as one reason the possibility of losing the huge amount of confidential funds.

Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan asks if Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, to whom Acosta transferred a… pic.twitter.com/sqxqoyLOeh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

‘TANTSA KO LANG PO’

Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta said she suggested to Vice President Sara Duterte that they use four traveling bags to encash P125 million. When asked if she had done this before, Acosta said she had no previous experience. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/KjhBL3IqqD

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: Prosecution lawyer Amando Ligutan continues his direct examination of hostile witness Gina Acosta as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Monday, August 24.

Ligutan questions Acosta about the P460 million annual confidential fund allocation for… pic.twitter.com/A1XQZM6QYI

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

LOOK: DAY 17: The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Monday, August 24.

A quorum has been declared, with 17 senator-judges present. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ

Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/C5dqQCFKSW

Watch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/vXtkE6mI4D

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 24, 2026

On Day 17 of Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the House prosecution is expected to resume its direct examination of Gina Acosta.

Gina Acosta is set to continue testifying on Monday, August 24 – the 17th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

The House prosecution panel said on Sunday it was ready to revise the schedule of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.