Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecutor leans against calling Duterte's ex-security chief as witness
Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro indicated Tuesday she is unlikely to call Col. Raymund Lachica, former security chief for Vice President Sara Duterte, as a witness in the impeachment trial, though a final decision remains pending.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The lead prosecutor handling Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case signaled a reluctance to call a key figure from the Vice President's security detail to testify during proceedings. Gerville Luistro told reporters Tuesday that she was "more inclined" not to summon Col. Raymund Lachica, who previously headed Duterte's protective security unit, as a witness in the trial.
Luistro's statement came as the impeachment proceedings entered their 18th day of hearings. The prosecutor's position regarding Lachica's potential testimony could significantly shape the trajectory of evidence presented by the prosecution during the high-profile case.
While Luistro expressed her inclination not to call Lachica, she emphasized that the prosecution has not yet finalized its decision on whether to include the former security official in its witness list. The deliberation reflects broader strategic considerations as the prosecution builds its case.
The impeachment trial has maintained public attention as it addresses allegations against the Vice President. The scope and nature of witness testimony remain central to both the prosecution's case development and the overall proceedings.