Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio said Wednesday that Vice President Sara Duterte has his “trust and confidence” in carrying out duties assigned to him, as senators questioned his role in handling and documenting confidential funds during Day 19 of the impeachment trial.
Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros asked Ortonio whether he considered himself part of Duterte’s “circle of trust,” alongside former OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta and former chief security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica.
“Well, Ma’am, I can only answer for myself. In terms of working relationship, Ma’am, I would say that I have the trust and confidence of the VP in terms of doing duties that are assigned to me,” Ortonio replied.
The testimony came as senator-judges examined how OVP officials verified the use of confidential funds and the extent of their inquiries into the activities reportedly implemented by Lachica.
Senator-judge Win Gatchalian questioned why Ortonio appeared to rely heavily on information provided by Lachica regarding the release and utilization of confidential funds, without conducting additional inquiries.
“Bakit buong-buo ‘yung tiwala ninyo sa kanya at kinuha n’yo lahat ng information at ‘yun ang ginamit n’yo bilang reply to the COA? Hindi kayo nag-probe ng additional questions,” Gatchalian asked.
Ortonio explained that he considered Lachica the most appropriate person to provide information because he was the OVP security officer tasked with implementing the activities on the ground.
“First, sir, it’s because he’s the security officer, so I believe siya ‘yung the best person that can provide the information,” Ortonio said.
He added that Lachica’s designation by the head of agency also contributed to his confidence in the information provided.
“Second, as the security officer, he was designated by our head of agency, which I believe also gave the trust and confidence to him to implement the activities,” Ortonio said.
Ortonio previously testified that he consulted Lachica more than once or twice to verify how confidential funds were released to alleged informants and agents. According to Ortonio, Lachica told him that the cash was used for expenses including food and medical supplies.
The senator-judges’ questioning focused on whether OVP officials exercised sufficient due diligence in verifying the use of confidential funds and whether the information submitted in response to audit questions was adequately supported by independent documentation.
The testimony forms part of the Senate’s continuing examination of allegations involving the use and liquidation of confidential funds in the impeachment case against Duterte.
