Manila: Former Department of Education (DepEd) Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda will now testify on September 7 after Senate's medical bureau confirmed he recently suffered a stroke and requires two weeks of rest. Presiding Officer Francis 'Chiz' Escudero instructed the impeachment court clerk to issue a subpoena for Fajarda's appearance at the next trial date, following the medical report from Senate Medical and Dental Bureau Director Dr. Renato Sison Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate physician's findings were consistent with Fajarda's stroke diagnosis, detailing neurological deficits necessitating rest from August 20 to September 2 to mitigate further stroke risks. He was also advised to secure clearance from his attending neurologist before testifying.

Presiding Officer Escudero stated, 'In relation to the condition of Eduard Fajarda, I am in receipt of a report by Dr. Sison, the Bureau Director of the Medical and Dental Bureau of the Senate, confirming the condition of Mr. Edward Fajarda.' He mentioned Fajarda's recommended rest period of two weeks starting August 20.

Fajarda was initially scheduled to testify this week as part of the House of Representatives prosecution panel's evidence presentation in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial but sought exemption after experiencing the stroke. The prosecution provisionally set September 7 for his testimony, aligning with medical advice that his rest period concludes in early September.

Fajarda's forthcoming testimony is anticipated to address DepEd confidential funds during Duterte's time as education secretary. The defense has agreed to stipulate that Fajarda served as executive assistant and special disbursing officer for DepEd confidential funds, overseeing the disbursement and liquidation of the PHP112.5 million confidential fund central to the case. However, it declined to stipulate on other issues, reserving them for Fajarda's eventual testimony.

In Fajarda's absence, prosecutors proceeded with OVP Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, the seventh prosecution witness for Article I. Ortonio's cross-examination by Duterte's defense is set to continue on Wednesday when the impeachment court reconvenes at 10 a.m.