Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecutors say Duterte conducted tree-planting without confidential funds
The prosecution team in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial presented evidence on Monday that she carried out a tree-planting activity in Lanao del Norte without relying on confidential funds, challenging earlier testimony about the use of such disbursements.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors argued during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte that she was able to conduct a tree-planting activity in Lanao del Norte this month without drawing from confidential funds, according to statements made during the Senate impeachment court proceedings on Monday.
The prosecution's assertion appears to counter earlier testimony from Duterte's former special disbursing officer, Gina Acosta, who had indicated that confidential funds were used for certain activities under the Vice President's office.
The exchange underscores a central issue in the ongoing impeachment proceedings: the proper use and accounting of confidential and discretionary funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President. Prosecutors have sought to demonstrate that such funds were not essential for the Vice President to fulfill her official duties.
The tree-planting activity in Mindanao represents one of several events that have come under scrutiny during the impeachment trial, as both the prosecution and defense present conflicting accounts of how funds were managed and expended.
The impeachment trial continues as the Senate impeachment court examines allegations related to the Office of the Vice President's financial management and budgetary practices.