Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate chief hopeful ex-security chief will testify in Duterte impeachment trial
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed optimism Thursday that former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group head Col. Raymund Lachica would be called as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, citing the officer's potential link to a critical money trail.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he is optimistic that Col. Raymund Lachica, the former head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, will be summoned to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Gatchalian's remarks came as the Senate impeachment court continued hearing witness testimony in the case against Duterte. According to the Senate President, Lachica's potential appearance would be significant given his role in tracing financial transactions connected to the case.
Recent testimony from Office of the Vice President assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio and other witnesses has pointed to a chain of transactions that Gatchalian suggested ultimately leads to Lachica. The Senate President indicated that the former security official's account could prove crucial in establishing key details of the alleged financial movements under scrutiny.
The impeachment trial, which centers on allegations against the Vice President, has seen intensified focus on tracing the flow of funds linked to her office. Senate officials expect additional witness testimonies in the coming days as the proceedings continue.