Senator-Judge Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned AFP Col. Magtanggol Panopio on Tuesday over the striking similarities between his certification and a separate document issued by another military official, Col. Sangdaan, during the 20th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Lacson pointed out that the two certifications appeared to use nearly identical wording, particularly in their second paragraphs, prompting him to ask Panopio whether the two officials had discussed or copied each other’s work.
“Nag-usap ba kayong dalawa?” Lacson asked, referring to Panopio and Sangdaan.
Panopio denied coordinating with Sangdaan, explaining that the similar language was commonly used in military reports and certifications.
“Yung pong mga term na yun ay commonly na ginagamit namin sa military. So more or less, magkakaparehas po kami ng wordings, Your Honor. Pero hindi po kami nag-uusap ni Colonel Sangdaan,” Panopio said.
Lacson, however, noted that the wording appeared “almost similar” and “almost a template,” especially compared with the certification issued by Col. Manaros Boransing II, whose document used substantially different language.
Panopio attributed the similarities to the military’s standard doctrine and reporting format, saying the statements were based on the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) handbook and other established activity formats.
“I think, Your Honor, we are following the doctrine and format of our report because it is written in the YLS handbook and all other activities,” Panopio explained. “Halos magpaparehas po talaga yung mga statement.”
Lacson then asked Panopio about the certification issued by the 5th Infantry Division, which he said was similar to Panopio’s document.
Panopio said he was not aware of the certification issued by the 5th Infantry Division and was only familiar with the certification of the 7th Infantry Division.
When Lacson suggested that the similarities could be because the units were geographically close, Panopio agreed, noting that the 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions are adjacent units operating in Regions II and III.
The exchange came as the impeachment court examined military certifications that were reportedly cited in documents related to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) liquidation of confidential funds.
