The Senate impeachment court will continue deliberations on Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, which centers on the alleged misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte.
The defense team is set to cross-examine OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio. The prosecution is then expected to conduct its re-direct examination, followed by clarificatory questions from the senator-judges.
Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero is also expected to issue a ruling or order concerning statements made by the parties on social media.
Trial begins
The 19th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial begins on Wednesday, August 26.
The Senate resumes proceedings as the impeachment court continues its deliberations.
A total of 17 senators serving as senator-judges are present for the hearing.
Ligutan clarifies Facebook post on ‘misleading questions’
House private prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan clarifies his Facebook post about “misleading questions” raised during impeachment trial.
Ligutan says the post is not personal and is not directed at the defense team.
He explains that the post refers to legal rules and cross-examination procedures observed during the trial.
Escudero defends Ferrer over ‘misleading questions’ issue
Senator-judge Chiz Escudero defends Atty. Kristine Ferrer over the “misleading questions” issue.
Escudero says Ferrer may have been referring to “leading questions” instead of “misleading questions.”
He adds that the Senate will review the video to clarify what was said amid overlapping voices.
Escudero reminds senator-judges to uphold impartiality
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero reminds senator-judges to maintain decorum and impartiality as Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial continues.
The reminder comes after comments from some participants in the impeachment court became a point of discussion during the proceedings.
Escudero emphasizes the need to preserve the impartiality of the court throughout the trial.
Escudero imposes ‘two-strike rule’ over public comments
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero imposes a “two-strike rule” on members of the Senate Impeachment Court, defense, and prosecution for violating Rule 18 on public comments that may affect the merits of the case.
A first violation carries a severe reprimand and stern admonition, while a second violation may result in a fine of up to ₱30,000 per offense.
Lawyers may also face referral to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines or the Supreme Court for possible disciplinary sanctions.
Ferrer begins cross-examination of OVP official
Defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer begins her cross-examination of OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.
Ortonio is currently facing questions from the defense as the Senate impeachment court resumes proceedings.
Escudero allows cross-examination to continue despite prosecution objection
Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero treated House private prosecutor Atty. Mae Divinagracia’s objection as a continuing objection during the cross-examination of OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.
The objection was raised over defense counsel Atty. Kristine Ferrer’s question regarding the Commission on Audit’s notice of disallowance involving the OVP’s confidential funds.
Escudero allowed Ferrer to proceed with the cross-examination while keeping the prosecution’s objection on the record.
Sotto questions Lachica’s employment status at OVP
Senator-judge Tito Sotto III questioned the employment status of Col. Dante Lachica at the Office of the Vice President during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio clarified that Lachica is not an OVP employee and was instead assigned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as group commander of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group.
Ortonio said Lachica therefore has no employment status within the OVP.
Tulfo questions origin of aliases in OVP intelligence reports
Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo questioned OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio about the origin of aliases used in intelligence reports, including “Chippy McDonald,” “Pusa,” “Aso,” and “Pagong.”
Tulfo asked who created the aliases and where they came from during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ortonio said he could not determine whether the aliases were invented and declined to provide further information about the reports.
Pangilinan questions ₱122-million informant reward process
Senator-judge Kiko Pangilinan questioned OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio on whether the use of ₱122 million as rewards for informants in connection with alleged drug purchases could be considered a usual practice.
Pangilinan raised the question in light of Ortonio’s educational background and professional experience during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ortonio said that, based on his understanding of the Joint Memorandum Circular, he considers the process to be lawful.
Tulfo questions Ortonio’s scrutiny of medicine purchases
Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio over his failure to scrutinize documents related to the alleged purchase of medicines using confidential funds.
Tulfo questioned why Ortonio did not ask for details such as the medicines purchased, prescriptions, and receipts, stressing that these documents are necessary for proper auditing of public funds.
Ortonio said he did not inquire into the specifics but consulted the security officer about how the funds were released and implemented on the ground.
Prosecution checks on Boransing’s presence
House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro asks Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero to clarify whether Col. Manaros Boransing II is already at the Senate.
Escudero says Boransing has not yet arrived and that the prosecution will be informed of the circumstances before proceedings resume at 1 p.m.
The prosecution is expected to present Boransing after the re-cross-examination of OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.
