Impeachment prosecutors drop key witnesses in VP Sara confidential funds case
The House prosecution team has decided not to call two former security officers of Vice President Sara Duterte and an alleged bagman as witnesses in her impeachment trial, saying the evidence already on record is enough to prove the charges involving PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.
House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers identified the two former security officers as Col. Raymund Dante Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco. Both have been mentioned in earlier testimonies about how confidential funds were handled at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Barbers also confirmed that Ramil Madriaga, who had earlier identified himself as Duterte's former aide and alleged bagman, will no longer be presented as a witness.
Speaking during an online press briefing Friday, Barbers said in mixed Filipino and English:
“The three allegations in this article have already been substantiated by the previous witnesses presented, that is what we are saying about misuse, misappropriation, and irregular liquidation of confidential funds.”
He added:
“With the witnesses already presented, the prosecution panel has already proven that. So there is no need for additional witnesses like Col. Lachica, Col. Nolasco, and Madriaga.”
What role did Lachica and Nolasco play in the confidential funds case?
Lachica was linked to the OVP confidential funds through the testimony of former Duterte aide Sunshine Acosta. Acosta, who testified as a hostile prosecution witness, said Duterte instructed her to turn over four PHP125-million tranches, or a total of PHP500 million, to Lachica. She also said she had no personal knowledge of how the money was distributed after handing it over to him.
Nolasco, meanwhile, was tied to DepEd confidential funds through the earlier House testimony of former DepEd Schools Division Officer Edward Fajarda. Fajarda testified that he turned over three PHP37.5-million releases, totaling PHP112.5 million, to Nolasco upon Duterte's instruction when she was education secretary.
What did Madriaga claim in his sworn testimony?
Madriaga had been considered a potentially significant witness after testifying before the House Committee on Justice in April. In his sworn statement, he claimed he personally handled and distributed the first PHP125 million in OVP confidential funds released in December 2022, disposing of the entire amount in less than 24 hours.
He alleged that he delivered bags containing millions of pesos to several locations upon Duterte's instruction. He also implicated Lachica and Nolasco in the alleged movement of the money. Duterte has denied Madriaga's allegations.
Despite Madriaga's earlier inclusion among prospective witnesses, Barbers said the prosecution now believes his testimony, along with those of Lachica and Nolasco, would no longer be necessary given the evidence already on record.
Who will the prosecution still present as witnesses?
The prosecution will proceed with its remaining witnesses as it seeks to complete its presentation of evidence on the confidential fund charge. These witnesses are:
- Edward Fajarda and his wife, DepEd Assistant Secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda
- Philippine Statistics Authority Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande
- Police Maj. Jovelyn Magay
- Commission on Audit official Bresilio Sabaldan
The Senate impeachment court has issued subpoenas for the five to appear as prosecution witnesses in the trial proceedings scheduled for Sept. 7 to 9.
Edward Fajarda's personal appearance, however, could still be dispensed with because of his medical condition if the prosecution and defense agree to stipulate on the matters his testimony is intended to establish.
The prosecution is targeting Sept. 9 to finish presenting evidence on Article I, which covers the alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.
This story is based on a report from the Philippine News Agency.