Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday pointed out that Vice President Sara Duterte appeared to have different signatures on two documents related to the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
During the impeachment trial, Escudero noted that Duterte’s signature on a September 16, 2022 document appeared different from the signature on an August 22, 2022 request letter for confidential funds.
“The signature of the vice president in this [September 16, 2022] document appears to be different [from] the signature in the August 22 document. So the vice president has at least two signatures, so far. Can you confirm that both are her signatures?” Escudero asked.
OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio confirmed that both signatures belonged to Duterte.
“Yes, I can confirm, Your Honor, that both are the signatures of the vice president,” Ortonio said.
Escudero then asked whether Ortonio could also confirm that the signatures appeared different.
“Yes, that's correct, Your Honor,” Ortonio replied.
The documents were presented in connection with the impeachment case’s allegations involving the use of confidential funds by the OVP.
