Prosecution says Acosta evasive, not intellectually challenged

MANILA — Prosecutors examining the finances of the Office of the Vice President have rejected suggestions that Gina Acosta, the former special disbursing officer, lacks intelligence, instead characterizing her testimony as strategically guarded and evasive.

Members of the prosecution team indicated that Acosta's repetitive answers and apparent difficulty comprehending certain questions during her appearance reflected a deliberate approach rather than a lack of understanding. Prosecutors described her demeanor as overly cautious, suggesting she was carefully calculating her responses to avoid contradicting herself or providing incriminating statements.

The assessment came as Acosta faced questioning related to the disbursement of funds from the vice president's office. Her testimony has drawn scrutiny as part of a broader investigation into how public money was allocated and spent by the agency during a period of heightened fiscal scrutiny.

The prosecution's characterization suggests a strategic defense rather than genuine confusion, indicating that investigators believe Acosta maintains full comprehension of the matters under examination but chooses her words deliberately to minimize legal exposure.