P500M Cash Withdrawals: LandBank Managers Testify in Sara Duterte Trial

The Testimony Unfolds in the Impeachment Court

On July 29, 2026, the impeachment court convened to hear evidence under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. This article addresses the alleged unlawful use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Two retired LandBank branch managers took the stand as the first witnesses presented by the prosecution led by Rep. Joel Chua of Manila's 3rd District.

Violeta Constantino, who served 32 years at LandBank, described the encashment of four checks worth P125 million each, totaling P500 million, between December 2022 and July 2023. Nenita Camposano testified about three additional encashments of P37.5 million each, amounting to P112.5 million, during Duterte's time as DepEd secretary. Both managers called the transactions unusual due to their size and the fact that they were taken entirely in cash rather than through checks or online systems.

Accountability in Philippine Governance at Stake

The proceedings highlight ongoing questions about how public funds are handled at the highest levels of government. The Senate, acting as the impeachment court with senator-judges presiding, is examining whether the Office of the Vice President followed proper procedures when withdrawing large sums from LandBank. These hearings connect directly to broader concerns in Congress about oversight of confidential funds across agencies like the OVP and DepEd.

Rep. Joel Chua emphasized that the evidence presented shows the need for stronger mechanisms to track government spending. The fact that the defense waived cross-examination of the witnesses was noted by the prosecution as an indication that the testimony stands unchallenged so far. This development places pressure on the impeachment process to deliver clear answers on the use of taxpayer resources.

Career Bank Managers Bring Decades of Perspective

Violeta Constantino and Nenita Camposano each brought more than three decades of experience at LandBank to their testimony. Constantino explained that any cash transaction over P500,000 at her branch would normally raise questions, making the P125 million withdrawals 250 times larger than that threshold. She stated it was the first time she had encountered such amounts in her entire career.

Camposano similarly described the P37.5 million encashments as among the largest she had processed. Both witnesses confirmed that the transactions were supported by official advice from the agency and were fully funded, which is why they did not flag any technical issues. Their careful testimony, given under questioning from Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Joel Villanueva, underscores the value of long-serving public employees in providing factual accounts during high-stakes proceedings.

What Ordinary Filipinos Need to Understand

Filipinos across the country rely on government agencies to manage public money responsibly. The details shared by the LandBank managers show that large cash withdrawals by the OVP required advance notice to the branch so that the cash could be sourced, sometimes taking a day or two. The funds were released in packs of P1 million each and carried out in gym bags by OVP personnel.

Sen. Joel Villanueva asked Constantino to confirm that the term "unusual" aligns with definitions used by the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Both witnesses avoided discussing whether the transactions were reported to the AMLC, citing legal restrictions on disclosure. For everyday citizens, these facts illustrate how government offices interact with banks and why such large cash movements stand out from standard practices used by other agencies and private companies.

Human Impact of Greater Transparency

Behind every peso spent from public coffers are real Filipino families who depend on services funded by taxes. When large withdrawals occur without typical banking safeguards, questions arise about how those resources ultimately reach communities in need. The testimony of career professionals like Constantino and Camposano helps bring clarity to processes that affect education programs and vice-presidential initiatives across the archipelago.

Communities in provinces far from Manila often feel the effects of national spending decisions most directly. Transparent handling of funds at the OVP and DepEd levels can mean better support for local schools and social programs. The impeachment court's examination of these transactions serves as a reminder that accountability measures protect the interests of ordinary citizens who contribute to the national budget through their daily work and taxes.

Looking Ahead in the Senate Proceedings

The July 29, 2026 session marked the start of evidence presentation on the confidential funds charge. With the defense choosing not to question the bank managers, the prosecution views its case as strengthened at this early stage. The Senate continues its role in weighing the evidence presented by Rep. Joel Chua and his team.

Future hearings will likely build on the foundation laid by these witnesses. The focus remains on ensuring that government transactions meet legal standards while serving the Filipino people effectively. As the impeachment court moves forward, the emphasis stays on facts that matter to households nationwide.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer