The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday, August 25, that it has formally wrapped up its internal inquiry into Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, the former head of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail, regarding his alleged involvement in the handling of confidential funds belonging to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla explained that the military decided to close its probe to prevent any overlapping functions, given that the case is now under the primary jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman.
“We respect the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and the right to due process. With this, the inquiry regarding these allegations was recommended for termination and conclusion to avoid duplication of functions,” Padilla stated.
The Ombudsman’s investigation stems from accusations linking Lachica to the alleged handling and transfer of over ₱125 million in OVP confidential funds in December 2022. The issue gained further traction during House inquiries and recent impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, where former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified that Duterte directed the monetary release to Lachica.
Despite concluding its internal inquiry, the military confirmed that Lachica remains in an “attached unassigned” status at the Philippine Army headquarters, a position he has held since October 4, 2025.
“That is the very reason he is placed under attached unassigned status, so that in the event he is called upon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows that we are really supporting and cooperating with the conduct of the investigation,” Padilla added.
Addressing questions on whether Lachica would be permitted to testify before the Senate impeachment court, Padilla affirmed that the military establishment would respect legal directives:
“If there is a proper subpoena, we will abide.”
AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad reinforced this stance, clarifying that official actions would follow the formal receipt of a court order.
“We have to receive first the subpoena. The Armed Forces of the Philippines would always respect the rule of law and all democratic processes being conducted. One such is the cognizance of this particular court to subpoena particular persons,” Trinidad said.