Defense says CF payee names are ‘aliases’
During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, her defense team admitted that the names on confidential fund acknowledgment receipts are aliases. This revelation follows long-standing questions from lawmakers regarding the legitimacy of the payees.
Why it matters
The admission addresses a central point of contention in a high-profile corruption-related impeachment case, impacting public trust and legal proceedings.
Defense counsel Justin Gular. Photo from Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippines - For the first time since the impeachment proceedings started in July, Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team stated that the names of those who signed acknowledgment receipts (AR) for confidential fund (CF) payments are "aliases."
Defense counsel Justin Gular made the revelation during Duterte's trial on Monday when asked by Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros to clarify the matter.
Over the years, lawmakers and lawyers have questioned the unusual names of those who signed the ARs for confidential expenditures made by Duterte's offices - the Office of the Vice President and, previously, the Department of Education - such as the infamous Mary Grace Piattos.
READ: Duterte trial Day 22: PSA official to testify on CF payees' identities
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