Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Monday described former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta as “stupid in the name of blind loyalty” during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During Day 17 of the impeachment trial, Tulfo made the remark as he questioned Acosta over red flags in the documentation of the OVP’s confidential funds, including acknowledgment receipts bearing different names but allegedly matching signatures.
The senator asked Acosta why she did not question the unusual names and signatures appearing on receipts related to the confidential funds.
Acosta said she relied on the documents submitted by former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica, who she said was responsible for implementing the confidential activities.
“Nagrely po ako sa sinubmit ng security officer, Your Honor,” Acosta said.
Several unusual names appeared in acknowledgment receipts submitted by Lachica, including “Antonio Pagong,” “Timon Andrew Pusa,” “Don Piang,” “May Pamana,” “Shane Ngitngit,” and “Xuniso Belat.”
Acosta said she was not on the ground during the implementation of the confidential activities and therefore relied on Lachica’s submissions.
“Vinerefy ko po ‘yung si Col. Lachica, Your Honor, at ang sagot naman niya sa akin, ‘Ma’am Gina, those are sensitive information,’” Acosta said.
Tulfo then questioned why she accepted Lachica’s explanation despite the same signature allegedly appearing under different names.
“Naniwala kayo sa sinabi niya na confidential nature, kahit iisang signature sa napakaraming pangalan?” Tulfo asked.
“Kasi siya ang nag-implement sa confidential activities,” Acosta replied.
“For me, in this case, you are stupid in the name of blind loyalty,” Tulfo said.
When asked if she agreed with Tulfo’s characterization, Acosta said she did not understand what the senator meant.
"Ano po 'yon?... Dili ko maintindihan," she responded.
Tulfo asked Acosta how she would describe herself—as smart, average, or stupid.
“Nasa average na pagkatao lang ako, Your Honor,” Acosta replied.
Acosta is a prosecution hostile witness in the impeachment case against Duterte.
