The Senate impeachment court resumes the 13th day of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings continuing on Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds.
The senator-judges are expected to raise their clarificatory questions to the prosecution's third witness, Roderick Wamil, a former state auditor of the Commission on Audit's Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO), following his testimony on the audit of the Office of the Vice President's confidential fund expenditures.
Day 13 of VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial begins
The 13th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte officially began on Wednesday, August 5. Sixteen senator-judges were present as the Senate impeachment court resumed the proceedings.
Senator-judge Kiko Pangilinan led the opening prayer at the start of the session.
Senator-judges begin interpellation of COA witness
The senator-judges have begun their interpellation of former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil during the continuation of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, August 5.
Wamil is answering clarificatory questions from the Senate impeachment court regarding his testimony.
Tulfo raises possible conflict of interest involving Poa
Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned whether Atty. Michael Poa's previous visit to the Commission on Audit (COA) constituted a conflict of interest. Tulfo cited Poa's reported visit to discuss an audit query related to confidential funds while now serving as one of Duterte's legal counsels.
Responding to the concern, presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero said there was no conflict of interest, explaining that the respondent in the case is Vice President Sara Duterte, not Poa. He added that although Poa previously served in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, he is not a named respondent and is appearing solely as one of the Vice President's lawyers.
Tulfo questions use of alleged aliases in confidential fund liquidation
Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned the alleged use of aliases and names resembling snack brands in the liquidation of confidential funds.
Former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil said it could not be determined whether the names listed in the documents were aliases because there was no indication identifying them as such. He also emphasized that official receipts are the required proof to support transactions involving confidential funds.
Wamil says alias use is neither prohibited nor allowed
Former Commission on Audit-Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) State Auditor Roderick Wamil said the use of aliases in confidential fund transactions is "neither prohibited nor allowed" under the agency's joint memorandum circular.
He made the statement in response to a question from Senator-Judge Bam Aquino.
Pangilinan questions P122 million medicine purchases
Senator-judge Kiko Pangilinan asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil whether the reported P122 million in confidential funds was actually used to purchase medicines.
Wamil replied that he could not confirm the purchases, stating that the audit team did not receive official receipts or sales invoices to verify the transactions.
COA did not verify identities in OVP receipts, says Wamil
Senator-judge Sherwin Gatchalian asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil whether the agency verified the identities of individuals listed in the acknowledgment receipts submitted by the Office of the Vice President.
Wamil said COA did not validate whether the names belonged to real people because the audit focused only on compliance with Joint Circular 2015-01. “Hindi po, your honor, kasi hindi po ito 'yung focus ng audit namin. What we do po ay compliance audit,” Wamil told the Senate impeachment court.
Hontiveros question COA audit process for confidential funds
Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros asked whether the Commission on Audit (COA) is still required to thoroughly examine confidential fund expenditures despite their sensitive nature, while Senator-judge Joel Villanueva sought clarification on the agency's audit process.
Former COA State Auditor Roderick Wamil explained that the audit is document-based and stressed that the Office of the Vice President's submissions were insufficient because they lacked official receipts, sales invoices, and evidence of success for certain reward payments. “Document-based po ang audit namin,” Wamil told the Senate impeachment court.
Padilla seeks Wamil's personal opinion on confidential agents
Senator-judge Robin Padilla asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil whether, in his personal opinion, confidential agents receiving confidential funds should identify themselves. Wamil declined to answer, saying the question called for a personal opinion beyond the scope of his authority.
“Since that calls for an opinion, hindi po ako authorized to express that, Your Honor,” Wamil said.
Wamil explains COA presumption on confidential funds
Senator-Judge Imee Marcos questioned former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil on whether the agency had made a direct finding that the Office of the Vice President's confidential funds were used for personal purposes. Wamil clarified that under the Joint Circular, such a conclusion is based on a legal presumption rather than an explicit finding, saying, "Dahil presumption po siya, hindi po siya kailangan sabihin."
When asked if COA had stated in its audit observations that the funds were "stolen," Wamil replied that there was "prima facie evidence" that the confidential funds were used for personal use or benefit under the provisions of the Joint Circular.
Padilla questions Wamil on BARMM and confidential fund audits
Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil whether he had visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and if he was aware of the country's terrorism threats while discussing the audit of confidential funds.
Padilla also sought to connect the questions to the Office of the Vice President's confidential fund expenditures, but Wamil clarified, "Hindi po siya imbestigasyon. Evaluation po," referring to COA's role. When asked about confidential agents and the meaning of "confidential," Wamil replied that there is no provision in the Joint Circular requiring agents to reveal their identities and defined confidential information as "classified."
Villanueva highlights COA's opportunities for OVP to submit documents
Senator-judge Joel Villanueva emphasized that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was given multiple opportunities by the Commission on Audit (COA) to submit supporting documents for its confidential fund expenditures.
Citing the audit records, he noted that "the agency was given three chances" to comply with documentary requirements. Former state auditor Roderick Wamil testified that the OVP submitted documents only after the Audit Observation Memoranda were issued and that several claimed expenses still lacked official receipts and other required supporting evidence.
Ejercito questions evidence linking Duterte to confidential funds
Senator-judge JV Ejercito asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil whether the audit found evidence that Vice President Sara Duterte personally received or benefited from confidential funds.
Wamil replied that, based on the audit documents, he had no personal knowledge or evidence showing Duterte personally received or benefited from the funds, but explained that "accountable person din po si head of agency" under the Joint Circular because the agency head is responsible for overseeing the use of confidential funds and ensuring compliance with the rules. Wamil later clarified that his statement was based on the audit findings, not merely on a legal conclusion.
Lacson suggests amending joint circular on confidential funds
Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson suggested amending Joint Circular No. 2015-01, saying the existing rules may be insufficient in addressing issues involving the audit of confidential funds. Lacson said the audit process could be limited if it relies only on submitted documents and does not verify the identities of individuals behind the aliases listed in the Office of the Vice President's acknowledgment receipts.
Sotto asks COA findings on OVP acknowledgment receipts
Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III asked former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil how many of the 845 acknowledgment receipts reviewed by COA had findings due to insufficient supporting documents.
Wamil said around ₱75 million worth of transactions had audit observations, while nearly ₱50 million had no findings from the total ₱125 million examined by the agency.
Escudero asks about discrepancy in COA reward payment figures
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero questioned the discrepancy in the total amount of reward payments stated in the Commission on Audit (COA) notice of suspension involving the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds.
Former COA State Auditor Roderick Wamil explained that the difference was due to a typographical error, saying the initial figure of ₱59.787 million should have been ₱69.837 million after a ₱10 million amount was mistakenly excluded from the computation. “It was a typo error po,” Wamil said.
Zubiri asks about safeguards against confidential fund misuse
Senator-judge Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri questioned the safeguards in place to prevent the misuse and abuse of government funds involving confidential and intelligence funds. He also asked whether the Commission on Audit (COA) found that the Office of the Vice President provided detailed reports on its use of confidential funds.
Former COA State Auditor Roderick Wamil said the audit is document-based and that a presumption of personal use or benefit may arise when liquidation requirements and supporting documents are not properly complied with.
Escudero reminds Cayetano to ask witnesses on legal matters
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero reminded Senator-judge Alan Cayetano that questions involving legal interpretation should be directed to witnesses based on their expertise and findings, rather than allowing the prosecution or defense to place their own interpretation of the law on record.
The reminder came after Cayetano asked about the distinction between simple deficiencies in fund liquidation and circumstances that could lead to criminal liability. Escudero said, “Asking the councils for the parties that same question will already make them give their own versions of the law.”
'Kanina mo pa ako inaaway': Tension arises during Imee Marcos’ interpellation
A tense exchange occurred during Senator-judge Imee Marcos’ interpellation after she questioned former Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Roderick Wamil’s response regarding the meaning of “accountable officer” under the Joint Circular on confidential funds.
Presiding Officer Sen. Chiz Escudero reminded the senator to avoid arguing with the witness, saying, “Kindly avoid arguing with Senator-Judge Marcos. And kindly wind up, Senator-Judge Marcos.”
Sotto suggests changing term for confidential funds
Senator-judge Vicente “Tito” Sotto III proposed changing the term “confidential funds” to “restricted funds” or “non-public funds” to make the scope and use of the allocation clearer.
Sotto said the term “confidential” may lead to misunderstandings because it is often associated with intelligence operations and could contribute to possible misuse.
Aquino questions identities behind confidential fund names
Senator-judge Bam Aquino questioned the defense on whether names mentioned in the confidential fund issue, including “Piattos” and “Andy Lim,” referred to actual individuals or aliases.
Defense counsel Atty. Michael Poa declined to answer, saying the matter is part of their legal strategy that will be presented once the defense begins introducing its evidence. Poa said the defense will provide its explanation regarding the names at the proper stage of the trial.
Hontiveros questions ₱70,000 medicine purchase for Piattos
Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros questioned former COA-ICFAO State Auditor Roderick Wamil about the ₱70,000 worth of medicine allegedly provided to “Mary Grace Piattos,” asking whether the recipient had an illness that required medical assistance.
Wamil said it was the first time he encountered this type of expenditure in an audit of the Office of the Vice President and clarified that COA-ICFAO did not investigate the recipient’s health condition or identity.
Padilla asks about timing of confidential fund checks
Senator-judge Robin Padilla questioned the timing of dates indicated on some checks for confidential funds and their connection to the anniversaries of the National Democratic Front (NDF) and CPP-NPA.
Padilla asked whether confidential funds and confidential agents played a significant role in preventing possible attacks during these periods. Former COA-ICFAO State Auditor Roderick Wamil replied that the matter depends on the mandate of the concerned agency.
Trial goes on recess
The impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte was temporarily suspended on Wednesday, August 5.
Proceedings are set to resume at 1:00 p.m., with the prosecution expected to present its next witness, Xylene Del Ocampo.
COA’s Xylene Del Campo takes oath as prosecution witness
Xylene Del Campo of the Commission on Audit (COA) took her oath as a witness for the prosecution in Article I of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, August 5.
Del Campo is set to testify before the Senate impeachment court as the trial continues on the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds.
Kapunan begins direct examination of COA auditor Del Ocampo
House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan has started her direct examination of Commission on Audit–Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) State Auditor Xylene Del Ocampo in relation to Article I of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Del Ocampo is expected to testify on the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Escudero reminds Kapunan to avoid counter-manifestation
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero urged House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan not to “give in to the temptation” of making a counter-manifestation during the 13th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Kapunan said she was tempted to respond after defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer claimed that the witness was “merely flipping the pages without comparing the ARs with the list.”
Escudero then reminded her, saying, “I hope you won’t give in to the temptation, counsel,” to which Kapunan replied, “I will not, your honor. It’s the wisdom of age, I will not.”
Del Campo says Duterte is the only VP, DepEd chief whose confidential funds she audited
Commission on Audit–Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) State Auditor Xylene Del Campo testified that Vice President Sara Duterte is the only vice president whose confidential funds she has audited because she was the only one who submitted liquidation documents.
Del Campo also said Duterte is the only Department of Education secretary whose confidential funds she has reviewed, as she was the only DepEd chief who received confidential funds. She added that she took over the audit of the Office of the Vice President and DepEd confidential fund liquidation documents in February 2024 after former COA auditor Roderick Wamil was reassigned.
Kapunan jokes about watching ‘Odyssey’ amid trial proceedings
House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan suggested using the defense team’s documents to help speed up the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte and “restore a level of trust” between both sides.
Kapunan said, “We will use their documents. Because we are certain that their documents are the same as our documents. Let’s use the defense’s documents, your honor.”
She then added, “Huwag na tayong mag-compare-compare. Thursday, Friday manonood pa ako ng ‘Odyssey’,” drawing laughter from the audience.
Defense opposes off-court review of acknowledgment receipts
Defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer opposed the proposal to allow Commission on Audit–Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) State Auditor Xylene Del Campo to review the 845 acknowledgment receipts outside the courtroom.
Ferrer argued that Del Campo was “merely flipping the pages without comparing the ARs with the list,” while the defense also declined to stipulate to the authenticity of the documents. In response, House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan said the delay “could have been prevented had we done this exercise during the pre-trial.”
Escudero allows marking of Lascañas affidavit
Presiding Officer Francis Escudero allowed the prosecution to mark the affidavit of Arturo Lascañas as part of the documentary evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The marking of the affidavit places the document on record, subject to the rules governing its admissibility and evidentiary value.
Escudero grants limited judicial notice of House records
Presiding Officer Francis Escudero granted the prosecution's motion to take judicial notice of the House hearings, transcripts, audiovisual recordings, and committee report during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
However, he clarified that these materials would be recognized only as existing official records and not as proof of the truth of their contents.
Impeachment trial adjourns until August 10
The Senate impeachment court adjourned proceedings on Wednesday and is set to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10.
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting Commission on Audit–Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) State Auditor Xylene Del Campo, followed by House Archives Chief Marivic Pareja, former Office of the Vice President Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, and former Department of Education Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda as its next witnesses.
