Senator Robin Padilla invoked Philippine historical figures and revolutionary pseudonyms during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to argue that fictitious names are justifiable in handling confidential funds.
During the trial proceedings, Padilla questioned Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio on whether pseudonyms are acceptable for confidential disbursement operations.
Ortonio declined to give a definitive answer, explaining that he lacked firsthand knowledge of field operations, which often require protecting informant identities.
He further noted that the Joint Memorandum Circular governing confidential expenditures contains no explicit rules on how names must appear on proof of payment receipts.
Padilla then turned his line of questioning to prosecution panel member Atty. Mae Divinagracia, asking if she was aware of historical instances where Filipinos relied on aliases during armed struggles. Citing National Heroes Day, Padilla quizzed Divinagracia on revolutionary pseudonyms such as “Dimasalang,” “Siling Labuyo,” “Maypagasa,” “Magdalo,” “Vibora,” and “Lakambini”.
When Divinagracia admitted she could not recall every name, Padilla argued that pseudonyms have historically served as crucial tools to protect individuals in covert operations.
To reinforce his point, Padilla mentioned the Katipunan, the betrayal by Teodoro Patiño that exposed the secret society, and various pseudonyms used by members of the New People’s Army.
Divinagracia countered that internal armed conflicts are legally distinct from conventional warfare, but Padilla maintained that both scenarios present a “clear and present danger.”
Padilla subsequently referenced the 13 Martyrs of Cavite before bringing up former senator and democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
“Kilála niyo po ba kung sino si Marcial Bonifacio?” Padilla asked.
After Divinagracia stated she was unfamiliar with the name, Padilla revealed that “Marcial Bonifacio” was the alias used by Ninoy Aquino.
As Padilla concluded his questioning, Senator Bam Aquino—nephew of the slain opposition leader—interjected to clarify the historical context of the name.
“Yes, si Ninoy Aquino po, ang kanyang alias ay Marcial Bonifacio. Para makauwi po siya sa Pilipinas nung nasa Boston siya,” Aquino explained.
“Pero wala naman ho siyang confidential funds na… Wala ho siya sa mga Acknowledgement Receipts na confidential funds. Lilinawin ko lang ho,” Aquino added.