Philippine Army Col. Raymund Lachica, former head of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail, declared his readiness to present testimony if officially summoned during the impeachment trial against the Vice President.
“I have never refused to appear or testify; if lawfully called, I am prepared to tell the truth, subject to applicable laws and security restrictions,” Lachica stated in a public release on Tuesday, August 25.
Lachica’s statement followed confirmation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that it had wrapped up its internal inquiry into his alleged involvement in handling the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
Previously directing the AFP Security and Protection Group—formerly designated as the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG)—Lachica was linked to the turnover of more than ₱125 million in OVP secret funds in December 2022.
Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified during the trial that Duterte ordered her to hand over the funds to Lachica, a detail previously scrutinized in House of Representatives inquiries.
Despite the conclusion of the military’s internal probe, Lachica confirmed he remains fully accessible to appear before any legitimate court or tribunal.
The military hierarchy noted that Lachica has been assigned to “attached unassigned” status at the Philippine Army headquarters since October 4, 2025, ensuring his availability should formal bodies require his presence.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla clarified that the military elected to conclude its internal investigation because the matter has transitioned under the purview 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 explained.
“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,” she added.
While the AFP has not yet received a formal subpoena from the Senate impeachment court, public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad affirmed that the military will fully comply with all lawful mandates.
“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 stated.