Manila: The House prosecution has decided to no longer present two former security officers of Vice President Sara Duterte, along with her alleged former bagman, Ramil Madriaga, as witnesses in her impeachment trial. The decision comes as the prosecution believes that the evidence already presented is sufficient to substantiate allegations of misuse, misappropriation, and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.
According to Philippines News Agency, House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers identified the two former security officers as Col. Raymund Dante Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco. Both officers were previously involved in testimonies regarding the handling of Duterte's confidential funds at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Barbers explained during an online press briefing that the allegations have already been substantiated by the witnesses previously presented. "The prosecution panel had already proven that with the witnesses already presented," Barbers stated, indicating that additional testimonies from Lachica, Nolasco, and Madriaga are unnecessary.
In previous testimonies, Acosta, a hostile prosecution witness, claimed that Duterte instructed her to transfer four PHP125-million tranches, totaling PHP500 million, in OVP confidential funds to Lachica. She, however, disclaimed personal knowledge about the distribution of the money after it was handed over. Similarly, Nolasco was associated with DepEd's confidential funds through Edward Fajarda's testimony, who stated that he transferred PHP112.5 million to Nolasco under Duterte's instruction when she served as education secretary.
Madriaga had initially been considered a significant prospective witness after testifying in the House impeachment proceedings that he handled the first PHP125 million in OVP confidential funds and distributed it within 24 hours, implicating Lachica and Nolasco in the process. Despite this, Barbers noted that Madriaga's testimony is no longer deemed necessary given the existing evidence on record.
The prosecution plans to proceed with its remaining witnesses, including Edward Fajarda and his wife, DepEd Assistant Secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda; Philippine Statistics Authority Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande; Police Maj. Jovelyn Magay; and Commission on Audit official Bresilio Sabaldan. The Senate impeachment court has issued subpoenas for these individuals to appear as prosecution witnesses in the trial proceedings scheduled from September 7 to 9.
Edward Fajarda's personal appearance may be waived due to his medical condition if both the prosecution and defense agree on the matters his testimony intends to establish. The prosecution aims to conclude presenting evidence on September 9, focusing on the alleged misuse, misappropriation, and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.
