Military officers testify in Duterte impeachment trial over DepEd fund liquidation

MANILA – Two Philippine Army officers testified before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday in connection with military certifications that the Department of Education cited when liquidating P112.5 million in confidential funds last year. Colonel Manaros Boransing II was among the military witnesses who took the stand to discuss the documentation that underpinned the DepEd's handling of the substantial amount.

The testimony centered on certifications issued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines that were used to justify the liquidation of confidential funds, a key point of contention in the impeachment case against the Vice President. The proceedings, now in their third week, continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the DepEd's financial transactions and the roles of various government officials involved.

The impeachment trial has been methodically presenting evidence and witness accounts to establish the facts surrounding the fund liquidation. Military testimony is expected to provide clarification on the authenticity and context of the certifications that were presented to support the DepEd's actions in 2023.