The Senate impeachment court convenes today for the 14th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings continuing to focus on Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, which concerns the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds.
State auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo of the Commission on Audit's Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) continues her testimony, providing further details on the audit findings involving the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The prosecution is expected to present additional documentary evidence related to the alleged irregularities, while the defense continues its cross-examination of the witness.
Impeachment trial begins
The Senate impeachment court formally opens the 14th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, August 11. Eighteen senator-judges are present as the proceedings resume.
Senator-judge Tito Sotto leads the opening prayer, urging the court to keep its hearts free from political pressure, personal interests, prejudice, anger, and fear.
Escudero draws laughter with joke during impeachment trial
Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero lightens the atmosphere at the start of the 14th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial with a joke about prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan's height.
Escudero remarks, "Parang tumangkad ka, Lorna," prompting Kapunan to reply that she seems taller because she was given an "apple box." The exchange draws laughter inside the Senate impeachment court before the proceedings continue.
Kapunan calls delay in document review 'bad faith'
House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan describes as "bad faith" the failure of the prosecution and defense to meet for the comparison of 4,492 documents.
She says the meeting was initially scheduled for Thursday or Friday last week, but the defense allegedly informed them it would only be available on August 14.
Defense says comparison of exhibits is unnecessary
Defense lawyer Kristine Ferrer says there is no need to compare the exhibits, arguing that their authenticity is for the Senate impeachment court to determine.
She explains that the court can rule on the matter only after the prosecution submits its formal offer of evidence, which will then be subject to the defense's comment.
Del Campo resumes testimony on Day 14 of impeachment trial
Commission on Audit Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office Supervising Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo resumes her testimony.
Before beginning the direct examination, House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan tells the witness, "Parang nagkwe-kwentuhan lang tayo. Be comfortable," to help put her at ease.
COA auditor says no specific accomplishments found
COA State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo says the documents submitted by the Office of the Vice President did not show any specific accomplishments from its information-gathering and surveillance activities.
The findings are related to the liquidation of confidential funds for December 21 to 31, 2022. Del Campo also notes that some activities were reportedly conducted before the OVP received the corresponding cash advance.
COA flags disallowed OVP confidential fund expenses
COA State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo says the Office of the Vice President (OVP) incurred expenses that were not allowed under the rules governing the use of confidential funds, prompting the Commission on Audit to issue a Notice of Disallowance (ND).
She also testifies that the OVP failed to submit receipts supporting some transactions made using the confidential funds. Del Campo makes the statements during the 14th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
“Bacon, alas-dose na baka gutom na tayo,”: Kapunan jokes about name in OVP receipt
House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan draws laughter during the 14th day of the impeachment trial as she comments on the name “Ralph Josh Bacon,” which appears in an OVP acknowledgment receipt.
The receipt indicates that Bacon received ₱150,000 for the “purchase of information” on June 20, 2023. “Bacon, alas-dose na baka gutom na tayo,” Kapunan jokes, referring to the witness's name as lunchtime approaches.
Names resembling lawmakers appear in OVP receipts
Several names resembling the surnames of senators and members of Congress appear in the acknowledgment receipts presented in connection with the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds.
Among those mentioned are “Beth Revilla,” “Clarisse Hontiveros,” “Jose Diokno Jr.,” “Diane Maple Lapid,” and “John A. Lapid.” The presentation comes as the Senate impeachment court examines documents related to the alleged use and liquidation of the OVP’s confidential funds.
Kapunan jokes over ‘fruit salad’ names in OVP receipts
House private prosecutor Atty. Lorna Kapunan draws laughter during the 14th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial as she comments on unusual names appearing in acknowledgment receipts linked to the liquidation of OVP confidential funds.
Among the names presented are “Matthew N. Keso,” “Miggy Mango,” “Jay Kamote,” “Kristine Applegate Estrada,” and “Beverly Claire Pampano.” “With the names Apple, Queso, Manga, etc., I think it is time for us to have lunch, Your Honor,” Kapunan says.
Senate impeachment court takes lunch recess
The Senate impeachment court temporarily suspends the impeachment trial for lunch.
Proceedings are set to resume at 12:30 p.m. The direct examination of Commission on Audit (COA) State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo will continue upon resumption.
COA auditor says OVP liquidation lacked supporting documents
COA State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo testifies that the Office of the Vice President’s liquidation records lacked supporting documents to substantiate the accomplishments of its confidential activities. She says the documents submitted were insufficient to establish the success or results of the activities.
COA auditor says ₱375 million OVP confidential funds were disallowed
COA State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo testifies that the Office of the Vice President’s ₱375 million in confidential funds were declared disallowed. She cites the earlier testimony of Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, who said Vice President Sara Duterte instructed her to turn over the funds to Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group chief Raymund Lachica.
Del Campo says the transfer violated COA rules because only the Special Disbursing Officer is authorized to hold and disburse cash advances for confidential funds.
COA clarifies locations listed in OVP acknowledgment receipts
COA State Auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo clarifies that the locations indicated in the Office of the Vice President’s acknowledgment receipts refer to where the money was handed over, not the addresses of the recipients. She makes the clarification in response to a question from Presiding Officer Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
The receipts show transactions conducted in several areas on February 25, 2023, including Masbate, Laoag City, Davao City, Agusan del Norte, Olongapo, Samar, Pangasinan, Koronadal City, Kalinga, and Abra.
OVP receipt lists only signature and 'Danao' as address
An acknowledgment receipt presented during the impeachment trial shows a ₱50,000 payment for the purchase of information, with only a signature and “Danao” listed as the recipient’s address.
Other receipts presented also include the names “Alfred Avanta,” “Mary Santilliano,” “Amy Liu,” and “Andre Galor,” all dated February 21, 2023.
Zubiri proposes new schedule for impeachment trial
Senator-Judge Migz Zubiri proposes moving Senate legislative sessions to the morning and holding the impeachment trial at 3 p.m. to avoid delays caused by the legislative calendar. He says the adjustment would provide more time for the presentation of evidence and the cross-examination of witnesses.
Presiding Officer Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero says the schedules may be adjusted if necessary, provided all parties are notified in advance.
Prosecution to submit additional witness list later
House prosecutor Rep. Joel Chua files a manifestation regarding the submission of the prosecution's witness list for next week. He says three subpoenaed witnesses are still scheduled to testify, prompting the prosecution to request that it submit the names of additional witnesses on a later date.
The remaining witnesses include House Legislative Information Resources Management Department Director Marivic Pareja, Office of the Vice President Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, and Department of Education Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajardo.
Day 14 of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial adjourns
The Senate impeachment court formally adjourns the 14th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, August 11. Proceedings are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, August 12, as the court continues hearing evidence and witness testimony.
