Business · Philippines Bureau
Defense cross-examines ex-OVP officer in Duterte case
Defense counsel has begun questioning former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta about audit findings during her tenure in Davao City. The cross-examination focused on whether the Commission on Audit issued any formal notices or memorandums against Acosta or then-Mayor Sara Duterte.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The defense mounted its counter-examination of Gina Acosta, a former special disbursing officer at the Office of the Vice President, with questioning centered on audit compliance matters during her service in Davao City.
Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel directed questions at Acosta regarding her tenure as special disbursing officer, specifically probing whether the Commission on Audit had issued any Audit Observation Memorandums, notices of suspension, or notices of disallowance against either herself or then-Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte during that period.
The cross-examination represents the defense strategy to challenge the prosecution's case against the former vice president. Prosecution counsel Amando [name incomplete in source material] had presented the witness during the prosecution phase of the proceedings.
Accosta's testimony and the surrounding audit documentation have emerged as key points of contention in the case, with both sides seeking to establish the regularity or irregularity of disbursements made during the relevant period.