Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday questioned former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta about her continuing responsibility over ₱125 million in government funds after she disbursed the money to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica.

During the 17th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, Pangilinan asked Acosta whether the disbursement of the ₱125 million meant she no longer had responsibility over the funds.

Acosta said she still had a duty as an accountable officer because Lachica had been designated by Duterte to implement confidential projects and activities on the ground.

“May tungkulin pa ako kasi si Lachica, siya lang ang itinalaga na security officer na siya ang mag-implement ng mga proyekto o activities na confidential on the ground kasi siya ang may eksperto.”

She said Lachica was considered the expert because of his role as security officer and commanding officer of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group.

Pangilinan pressed Acosta on how she could ensure that the funds were properly spent if she had no knowledge of how the confidential funds were used.

Acosta said Lachica submitted a utilization report to her, adding that she trusted him because he had been designated by Duterte for the role.

“Nag-submit siya sa akin ng utilization report at naniwala din ako kay Lachica kasi siya ang itinalaga ni Vice President Sara Duterte as security officer at sya ang aming commanding officer ng VPSPG.”

Pangilinan also asked whether Acosta knew if the ₱125 million had been transferred to a private bank account after Lachica received the funds.

Acosta said she did not see such a transfer and was unaware if the money had been moved to a private account.

The exchange centered on the extent of Acosta’s accountability after the release of the funds and whether her duties continued after the money was transferred to Lachica.

Acosta earlier testified that she released the ₱125 million in cash to Lachica as part of the disbursement of confidential funds under the OVP.