This report is part of Inquirer’s special coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings. For real-time updates, follow our live coverage of the impeachment.
MANILA, Philippines – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 18th day Tuesday, with Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio set to testify on the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds.
Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in encashing the funds and helped transport the cash in traveling bags.
The House prosecution is seeking to have Ortonio declared a hostile witness, which would allow prosecutors to ask leading questions if the Senate impeachment court grants the request. His testimony could shed light on the handling and liquidation of the confidential funds.
The Senate impeachment court is also expected to rule on public statements by lawyers from both sides discussing the merits of the trial, which are prohibited under impeachment rules.
This development forms part of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence and witnesses under Article 1 which involves the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds—P500 million under the OVP and P112.5 million under Department of Education (DepEd)
The prosecution formally shifted to Article I on July 29 after concluding the presentation of evidence under Article IV./ dp
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