Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who acts as an adviser to the House prosecution team, stated that prosecutors have not ruled out summoning former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) head Colonel Raymund Lachica to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Barbers clarified that Lachica has not been summoned regarding the alleged mismanagement of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds because the prosecution currently considers its presented evidence sufficient.
However, he noted that the team remains open to bringing him in if necessary.
“Hindi sarado ang aming isipan para ipresenta si Colonel Lachica. Kung naniniwala kami na mayroong kakulangan o kinakailangan pang madagdagan ang evidentiary value or puwedeng sumuporta sa aming allegations, bakit hindi?” Barbers said on Saturday.
Addressing concerns that Lachica might attempt to take full responsibility for the contested fund disbursements, Barbers emphasized that such a move would not weaken the prosecution’s case.
“Kung sakaling ‘yan ang kanyang gagawin, it doesn’t give us any evidentiary value doon sa allegations namin. Problema niya ‘yun. Kung ‘yun ang gagawin niya, siya ‘yung mananagot sa batas,” he added.
Barbers noted that with the defense listing Lachica among its witnesses, the prosecution is fully prepared to cross-examine the former security chief if he takes the stand.
Lachica’s involvement stems from the August 17 testimony of former OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, who claimed that Vice President Duterte directed the release of ₱125 million in confidential funds to him.
On August 25, Lachica expressed his willingness to testify before the Senate impeachment court “to tell the truth, subject to applicable laws and security restrictions.”