Malacañang said the evidence presented so far in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has strengthened the case for her conviction over the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement following the testimony of former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta during Monday’s impeachment proceedings.

Asked whether the prosecution had presented enough evidence to merit conviction on the confidential funds issue, Castro said that, from the Palace’s perspective, “in a way, yes,” particularly in relation to testimony that Duterte instructed Acosta to turn over confidential funds to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, her former security chief.

Acosta testified that she released four ₱125-million tranches, or a total of ₱500 million, in OVP confidential funds to Lachica from late 2022 through the third quarter of 2023. She also acknowledged that Lachica was not a bonded officer, while she remained the accountable officer for the funds.

Castro stressed that confidential funds are public money and should therefore be properly accounted for. She argued that questions surrounding the handling and documentation of the funds warrant scrutiny, while pointing to Duterte’s alleged control over their release.

During the trial, Acosta repeatedly said Lachica implemented the OVP’s confidential activities on the ground and that she did not personally witness how the money was ultimately spent. She also said some internal documents connected to Lachica’s receipt of the funds were no longer in the OVP’s possession after the liquidation process.

Acosta, however, has also expressed trust in Duterte’s handling of the confidential funds, saying during the proceedings that she believed the Vice President used them properly.

Malacañang also said the Office of the Ombudsman should investigate Lachica’s role in the handling of the confidential funds to determine whether any liability or possible conspiracy was involved.

Duterte is facing an impeachment trial over several allegations, including the alleged misuse of confidential funds. The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will ultimately determine whether the evidence presented warrants her conviction or acquittal.

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