Politics · Philippines Bureau
OVP aide set to testify in VP Duterte impeachment trial on confidential funds
An Office of the Vice President assistant chief of staff is expected to take the witness stand on Tuesday in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, with testimony focused on the handling of confidential funds.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its 18th day with testimony scheduled from Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, who is expected to address allegations of misuse of confidential funds.
Ortonio's appearance before the House of Representatives committee is anticipated to shed light on the disbursement practices within the OVP. According to trial proceedings, Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in transactions involving confidential fund allocations totaling P500 million.
The confidential funds in question have become a central point of contention in the impeachment case, with lawmakers seeking clarity on how the discretionary allocations were utilized during Duterte's tenure as Vice President.
The trial continues to examine financial management practices within the OVP office as the legislative inquiry progresses through witness testimony and documentary evidence. Ortonio's account is expected to provide direct insight into the operational procedures governing the release and use of the disputed confidential funds.