Prosecution Panel Defends 'Scam' Remark as Hostile Witness Ties VP Sara to P125M Confidential Funds

In a recent ANC 24/7 report, the House prosecution panel doubled down on its characterization of the alleged confidential fund scheme involving Vice President Sara Duterte, defending a lawyer's use of the word "scam" and presenting new testimony that directly links the Vice President to a P125 million request. The panel's press conference on Wednesday, following Day 19 of the impeachment trial, painted a picture of an office where millions of pesos in secret funds were released and spent in a matter of days, leaving many Filipino taxpayers questioning how their money was handled. At the heart of the proceedings is the testimony of Lemuel Ortonio, the OVP Assistant Chief of Staff, whose statements have become a critical piece of the prosecution's case.

Prosecution Pushes 'Scam' Narrative as Hostile Witness Ties VP Sara to P125M Confidential Fund Request

Manila, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, heard explosive testimony from a hostile witness who confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte personally determined and requested P125 million in confidential funds in 2022. The testimony from Lemuel Ortonio, declared a hostile witness by the prosecution, directly implicates the Vice President in the alleged misuse of funds that forms the bedrock of the impeachment case against her.

The Testimony That Shook the Court

Ortonio, the OVP Assistant Chief of Staff, testified that the P125 million confidential fund request came directly from Vice President Duterte through a letter to the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). "It was the Vice President, Your Honor. The amount came directly from Vice President Sara Duterte," Ortonio stated, clarifying that the figure did not originate from the OVP budget division or any administrative assessment. This revelation was compounded by his testimony that the entire P125 million was released and spent within just 11 days, from December 21 to 31, 2022, based on the official liquidation report. The timeline raises serious questions about the capacity to implement confidential operations in such a short window, a point the prosecution was quick to highlight.

Philippine Context: A Tale of Two Administrations

The contrast between administrations could not be starker. Ortonio testified that the OVP had no confidential funds during the entire six-year term of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is now the mayor of Naga City. This detail underscores the dramatic shift in how the Office of the Vice President operated under Duterte's leadership compared to her predecessor. For many Filipinos, this comparison highlights a fundamental question about governance and the use of public funds, especially in an office traditionally seen as a secondary, less resource-intensive branch of the executive. The revelation has sparked conversations in barangays and online forums alike about the necessity and transparency of such funds.

Impact on Filipinos: The Burden of Proof and Public Trust

For ordinary Filipinos, the implications of this testimony are profound. The prosecution's narrative suggests a systematic scheme to channel public money into confidential funds with questionable liquidation. House prosecution panel adviser Robert Ace Barbers questioned why confidential funds were given to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, a military officer who was not an OVP employee. A witness stated that Lachica had "people go on ground" to handle secret funds, while Ortonio was tasked to answer the Commission on Audit's Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM). This division of labor, where one official implements and another answers for the paperwork, paints a picture of a complex operation that many Filipinos find difficult to reconcile with the delivery of basic services like education and health, which the OVP and DepEd are mandated to provide.

Reactions and Responses: Defense and Prosecution Clash

The prosecution's use of the word "scam" to describe the scheme drew immediate attention. Atty. Mae Divinagracia's characterization was defended by her colleagues, with Deputy Speaker Rep. Jefferson F. Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District) stating, "Nagsasabi lang siya ng totoo" (He is just telling the truth). Khonghun further argued that giving confidential funds allegedly for medicines would be foolish — "Katangahan naman yata" — because confidential funds by definition are for confidential activities, not medicines. Barbers also responded to Vice President Duterte's claim that the prosecution's requests were a "fishing expedition," retorting, "Isn't that questioning the court's integrity?" The defense, meanwhile, has been reminded to adhere to the sub judice rule, with Presiding Officer Senate President Pro Tempore Francis "Chiz" Escudero asking the defense panel to remind the Vice President about Rule 18 of the Rules of Impeachment Proceedings, which prohibits public comments on the merits of the pending trial.

What to Watch For: New Witnesses and a Nation's Verdict

The trial is expected to resume on September 1 with new witnesses, and the prosecution has signaled it will continue to present evidence to substantiate its claims. The case, which centers on the alleged systematic misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds from the OVP and the Department of Education, remains a focal point of national attention. As the proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely, with many Filipinos hoping for a resolution that upholds the rule of law and restores faith in public institutions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the prosecution can solidify its case or if the defense can successfully counter the mounting allegations against the Vice President.

The stakes could not be higher for the Philippines. This trial is not just about one official; it is about the integrity of the country's democratic institutions and the message it sends to future public servants. The testimony of Ortonio, a former Davao City official who served under then-Mayor Duterte, adds a layer of personal history to the proceedings, reminding the public of the deep political ties that bind the nation's leaders. As the Senate impeachment court continues its work, the Filipino people remain engaged, demanding accountability and transparency from those who hold public office.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on sources cited in the article.