The prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial asserted that key testimony detailing alleged confidential fund irregularities remains unshakeable following cross-examination.
Speaking ahead of the trial’s 13th day on Wednesday, August 5, private prosecution panel spokesperson Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. stated that defense lawyer Atty. Michael Poa failed to weaken the account of Commission on Audit (COA) auditor Roderick Wamil.
Wamil’s testimony centers on alleged issues surrounding the utilization and liquidation of 2022 and 2023 confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), where Duterte served as secretary until 2024.
“Sa tingin namin lalo pa napagtibay yung testimony ng among testigo. Dahil hindi naman nabutasan. In fact, maraming bagay na nilahad niya sa direct examination na hindi na natanong,” Tolosa said.
“Maliwanag hindi ito nabutasan,” he added.
Tolosa highlighted that the defense did not refute documents showing Duterte’s direct involvement in the approval, release, and liquidation of the funds.
Furthermore, he noted that the defense presented no evidence countering Wamil’s claims regarding insufficient supporting documentation, the OVP’s spending of ₱125 million in just 11 days, or average daily rental expenses of ₱2 million.
“It means the testimony of the witness on this matter stands,” Tolosa said.
The prosecution continues to lay out its case under Article I of the impeachment charges, which accuses offices under Duterte’s authority of mismanaging ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.