Impeachment Trial Day 18: OVP aide to testify on confidential funds
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues with testimony regarding the alleged misuse of confidential funds. Prosecutors are seeking to declare an OVP aide a hostile witness to further investigate the handling of millions in cash.
Why it matters
High-level political accountability and the management of public funds are central to the stability of democratic institutions.
MANILA, Philippines – Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio is set to take the witness stand Tuesday as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 18th day, with his testimony expected to focus on the alleged misuse of confidential funds (CFs).
Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta when she encashed a total of P500 million in confidential funds at LandBank Shaw Boulevard. The amount was withdrawn in four P125-million tranches from the fourth quarter of 2022 through the third quarter of 2023.
According to Acosta, Ortonio assisted her in transporting P125 million in cash placed in four traveling bags in all four quarters.
READ: Ridon: Impeachment court to decide Duterte conviction vote threshold
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