LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 26, 2026

Resignation remains off the table for VP Sara Duterte as she faces the Senate impeachment court over allegations of misusing funds

The House prosecution panel said it still needs clarification on impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s ruling

Equating the reasons why national heroes used aliases with why recipients of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds (CF)

Defense counsel and spokesperson Michael Poa is set to trade the court’s lectern for the witness stand on Wednesday as he is set to testify

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero tells defense lawyers to remind Vice President Sara Duterte to follow the sub judice rule.

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero announced a “two-strike rule” for violations of the sub judice rule, which bars covered persons from publicly commenting on the merits of the pending impeachment trial. #VPonTrialREAD MORE: https://t.co/TNpI4QNE67Follow our live updates… pic.twitter.com/vC5woAgm3b

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

An official of the OVP admitted that he was not able to see or verify the acknowledgement receipts for their office’s confidential funds

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday questioned OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio on why he supposedly failed…

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero issued a ruling on public comments about the merits of the case during Day 19 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.Here are the key moments from the proceedings this August 26. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/OxqkDueJKt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero asks the defense team to remind Vice President Sara Duterte of the sub judice rule, which prohibits public statements on the substance or merits of the case. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRKzQ7Watch our livestream… pic.twitter.com/Iit0cCGWQg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Senator-judge Robin Padilla asks prosecution and defense if they believe DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara could have stopped the incidents of school shooting if he had confidential funds. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRL7FFWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/jxhkHBhNwl

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

COULD CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS HAVE SAVED NINOY, PREVENTED SCHOOL SHOOTINGS?Senator-judge Robin Padilla asked the prosecution and defense counsel whether confidential funds could have helped prevent the assassination of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and the recent school… pic.twitter.com/8FlcLQd1JK

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio takes offense at Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo’s remarks that his answers “defy logic” and that he was wasting his intelligence and embarrassing the schools he attended. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRL7FF… pic.twitter.com/YaVO1NHSvo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Senator-judge Robin Padilla cites Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s alias, Marcial Bonifacio, to emphasize the significance of using aliases in confidential activities.Senator-judge Bam Aquino confirms that Ninoy used Marcial Bonifacio as an alias to return to the Philippines, but… pic.twitter.com/op4dVKRmKo

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

“Ang ating mga bayani ay may mga alias”Senator-judge Robin Padilla cites aliases used by Philippine national heroes to underscore the importance of aliases in confidential activities. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRL7FFWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/Ztq2gJic4J

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo presses OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio on names and signatures on acknowledgement receipts for confidential funds.Ortonio admits he did not personally see the ARs.“Napakatalino mong tao… pero parang nagmaang-maangan ka. Is it blind… pic.twitter.com/LM4qr8XbkR

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Who attended and who missed the Duterte impeachment trial?As the proceedings continue, here’s how the senator-judges have fared in attending hearings from July 6 to August 17, 2026.The attendance tracker reflects their presence, late arrivals, absences, medical leave and… pic.twitter.com/TUwrb7YjGb

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

TESTIMONY CONTINUES LOOK: Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio takes the witness stand at the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.Declared a hostile witness, Ortonio faces cross-examination by the defense on Day… pic.twitter.com/w9SK4RreZt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

The Senate impeachment court adjourns until 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 1. Witnesses for next week (Sept 1-2):– Col. Manaros M. Boransing II – Col. Magtangol Panopio – Atty. Michael Wesley Poa – PSA Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande #VPonTrial | AprBenjaminINQ… pic.twitter.com/b3eJnoEKGn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

RULE 18 ALSO APPLIES TO DUTERTE, SAYS ESCUDERO Presiding Officer Francis Escudero asks lead defense counsel Sheila Sison to remind Vice President Sara Duterte that she is also covered by Rule 18 on public statements about the merits of the impeachment trial.Escudero says… pic.twitter.com/70fpLXM53Y

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘PAANO NAMAN ‘YUNG TAONG-BAYAN? THEY’RE BEING OFFENDED’Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo said OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio’s answers “defy logic,” adding that his responses were a waste of his intelligence and embarrassing for the schools he attended, prompting Ortonio… pic.twitter.com/R8z6HuRGLZ

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo urges the prosecution and defense to present former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica, whom he calls the “missing link” in the proceedings.Lachica has been repeatedly mentioned in testimonies involving the OVP’s confidential funds.“It may be… pic.twitter.com/MOHarHjenk

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

MANILA, Philippines—Col. Raymund Lachica, the former security officer in the Office of  the Vice President (OVP), got help on the ground.

Sen. Robin Padilla tried to justify the need for aliases in handling confidential information by mentioning that even Ninoy had used one

‘WHO INVENTED THE ALIASES?’Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo asks OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio who came up with the aliases listed in the acknowledgment receipts for confidential funds.Ortonio says he cannot answer whether the aliases were invented, adding that he had… pic.twitter.com/xJPLn9KrsD

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘WALA SI MARCIAL BONIFACIO SA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECEIPTS’Senator-judge Robin Padilla cited former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s use of the alias “Marcial Bonifacio” as he emphasized the significance of using aliases to the prosecution, while Senator-judge Bam Aquino… pic.twitter.com/b7PXw8cGxV

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Sen. Chiz Escudero finally set a clear guideline on the subjudice rule that prohibits senator-judges and lawyers from making statements

'KUNG AKO, I WILL RESIGN.'Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo tells OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio to consider resigning, saying the witness’ answers during the impeachment trial “defy logic.”Tulfo says, "It really defies logic. Sayang po 'yong pagkatalino mo rito.… pic.twitter.com/GZ3gDPGjz8

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio emphasized that he and Vice President Sara Duterte are committed to ensuring the confidential fund is used only for its intended purpose and not for corruption. #VPonTrial Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRL7FFWatch… pic.twitter.com/jXGKWd6UG4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘NOT OVP EMPLOYEE’Col. Raymund Lachica was not an employee of the Office of the Vice President, according to OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.Ortonio explains that Lachica was designated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as commander of the Vice Presidential… pic.twitter.com/7Q2KanEzom

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Lawyer Mae Divinagracia was seen on Tuesday clasping a wooden cross during the 18th day of the impeachment trial against VP Sara Duterte.

There was nothing wrong or unusual in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) decision to just hand over its confidential funds to informants

‘NASA CIRCLE OF TRUST NI VP SARA DUTERTE?’OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio said he has known Vice President Sara Duterte for more than 10 years, dating back to her time as Davao City vice mayor, and said he has her “trust and confidence” in carrying out his assigned… pic.twitter.com/KBQgiuMP7j

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer clarifies during Day 19 Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that she was referring to leading questions

'NASA CIRCLE OF TRUST KAYO NI VP DUTERTE?'Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros asks OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio if he, former OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta and Col. Raymund Lachica are part of Vice President Sara Duterte’s “circle of trust.”Ortonio says,… pic.twitter.com/Ogex5N8Vwt

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio says the confidential funds were used to ensure the safe implementation of the OVP’s Good Governance Program and Socio-Economic Program Delivery, not to fund the programs themselves. #VPonTrialFollow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/CAG8nBxYKE

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Leading or misleading?Defense counsel Kristine Ferrer and prosecution lawyer Lorna Kapunan recall their August 12 exchange. Ferrer says her statement referred to a leading question, but Kapunan says the transcript shows it was a misleading question. #VPonTrialFollow our live… pic.twitter.com/jHbL6zzOz9

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Only Vice President Sara Duterte and former security chief Col. Raymund Lachica knew how the OVP confidential funds were spent.

‘C’MON, IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.’Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo expressed frustration after OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio admitted he did not request details regarding transactions by an informant who allegedly used the confidential fund to purchase medicine. #VPonTrial… pic.twitter.com/h5UHW1c501

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

WATCH: Prosecution counsel Atty. Lorna Kapunan says she thinks Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero’s ruling on making public statements about the impeachment trial was fair and that she will behave moving forward. #VPonTrial | @bellepechayINQ Follow our live updates here:… pic.twitter.com/hI1clUG5wY

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero issued a ruling on public posts and statements made inside and outside the impeachment court.

‘NO PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE’OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio said he has no personal knowledge of how confidential funds were disbursed or used, including whether they were spent on regular programs under the OVP’s good governance initiatives. #VPonTrialFollow our live… pic.twitter.com/I7I8xW5FDL

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan and defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer came face-to-face again over the issue of asking misleading questions.

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero announces a “two-strike rule” for violations of Rule 18, which restricts public comments on the merits of the pending impeachment trial.The first offense will carry a public reprimand and admonition. A second offense will carry a fine of up to… pic.twitter.com/K9LCXOm2hi

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

But Presiding Officer and Senator-judge Francis Escudero said this is true for Ligutan — or for him — that they will always be professors

MANILA, Philippines – Prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan was reminded that while the impeachment court does not remove his role as a teacher, he must, however, set aside such role during impeachment trial

“Sino ang nag-imbento ng mga alias?”Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo asks about the unusual names listed as payees in acknowledgment receipts (ARs) for confidential funds.“Who invented those?” Tulfo asks.OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio says he does not know. “I cannot… pic.twitter.com/MnaS9prkYX

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘LET US NOT MISLEAD AGAIN THIS HONORABLE COURT’Atty. Kristine Ferrer and Atty. Lorna Kapunan addressed the record of an August 12 exchange, with Ferrer clarifying that her statement at the time referred to a leading question, while Kapunan maintained that the transcript would… pic.twitter.com/ZyY0kG8TKF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Senator-judge Vicente Sotto III asks OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio about the employment status of Col. Raymund Lachica in the Office of the Vice President.Ortonio says Lachica is not an employee of the OVP."He is not an employee of the OVP, but he has an order… pic.twitter.com/xK8LjEGIro

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE’Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the impeachment court will strictly enforce its sub judice rule, which restricts parties in a pending case from publicly discussing matters that could touch on its merits, helping protect… pic.twitter.com/0bMDGWZgQ1

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero reminded the prosecution that its primary duty is not to secure a conviction, but to see that justice is done. “The prosecution's object must therefore be the just resolution of the case, not victory at all costs,” Escudero said.He also… pic.twitter.com/GHrIKBDxH4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Ligutan said nothing in his post was personal, noting that he intended to clarify to the public that misleading questions are not allowed.

House prosecution counsel Amando Ligutan explained his viral social media post, which stemmed from his role as a teacher.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday blasted the prosecution in her impeachment trial for allegedly using “theatrics” and “insults.”

Since the trial began, Kristine Ferrer has so far led the defense’s cross-examination on two of the prosecution’s witnesses

'WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN.'Presiding Officer Francis Escudero said the impeachment court "shall extend grace, exercise liberality, and wipe the slate clean" over prior statements or conduct covered by Rule 18."From this point forward, however, Rule 18 shall be strictly enforced… pic.twitter.com/VKz1NdLXp4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Presiding Officer Francis Escudero reminded senator-judges to maintain impartiality, political neutrality and parliamentary decorum throughout the impeachment trial."I hope senator judges shall refrain from unparliamentary remarks, personal attacks, imputations of improper… pic.twitter.com/0CqPclt6d3

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘PROVE WITH EVIDENCE—NOT INSULTS, SPECULATION OR POLITICAL THEATRICS’READ: Vice President Sara Duterte calls on prosecutors and members of Congress to prove the alleged impeachable offenses against her with evidence, criticizing remarks from senators, counsels and witnesses.… pic.twitter.com/GGIaHsOuO6

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘CORRECTING A MISTAKE IS NEVER WRONG’House private prosecution counsel Amando Virgil Ligutan defends his social media post about “misleading questions,” saying it was intended to uphold the law and educate the public watching the proceedings, not to target the defense.This… pic.twitter.com/oLei4xZ0q2

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

'MY TEACHER’S INSTINCT KICKED IN.'Prosecution lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan defended his Facebook post about misleading questions, saying it was his “teacher’s instinct” to correct what he believed was a wrong statement made in open court.“Ang pagtuturo ay likas sa ating mga… pic.twitter.com/jFhfySdB9K

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

“A teacher, a lawyer, a rule on cross-examination, a Facebook post. How did we get here?” Prosecution lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan responds to lead defense counsel Sheila Sison’s August 12 manifestation over his Facebook post about misleading questions. #VPonTrial |… pic.twitter.com/kLlr1qc5io

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

DAY 19: The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on Wednesday, August 26. A quorum has been declared, with 17 senator-judges present. #VPonTrial | @AprBenjaminINQ Follow our live updates here: https://t.co/Up2qSRL7FFWatch our livestream here:… pic.twitter.com/7P7IMAne6b

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Ligutan is also actively teaching Labor Law, Remedial Law, Public International Law as lecturer, instructor in University of the Philippines

‘I’M A TEACHER, THAT’S WHAT I DO’Ahead of his oral argument regarding his post saying that misleading questions are not allowed even on cross-examination, Amando Virgil Ligutan says that he was talking to his students whom he already misses. | 🎥: Noy Morcoso via… pic.twitter.com/pvQs2aJXbP

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

‘NATATAKOT IS NOT IN OUR VOCABULARY’ WATCH: Prosecution counsel Lorna Kapunan on Wednesday rejects the assumption that the prosecution panel is afraid of what Col. Raymund Lachica will say should he be called to testify in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.According to… pic.twitter.com/RKihuGrqYh

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 26, 2026

Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial enters 19th day with defense proceeds with the cross examination of Lemuel Ortonio.

Day 18 of Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial centered on the testimony of Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.

Private prosecutor Amando Ligutan is expected to explain his public statements reportedly related to Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

MANILA, Philippines — Army Col

The VP knew and had authorized all activities related to the use of CFs under her office’s disposal, a top official of the OVP testified.