Former Department of Education (DepEd) Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda remains part of the prosecution panel’s witness lineup before the Senate impeachment court.
Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, serving as an adviser to the prosecution, stated that Fajarda was originally slotted to take the stand earlier this month.
However, his appearance was delayed after Senate medical personnel confirmed his health status and granted him two weeks to recover following a reported stroke.
“Well, ang ini-expect nga sana namin si Mr. Fajarda bilang SDO sa DepEd, nasa harap. Kaya lang, merong medical condition at pinagpapahinga siya ng kanyang doktor, which was certified by the Senate Impeachment Court sa doktor,” Barbers explained.
“Kaya nga nakascheduled siya ng September 7 or September 8 kung hindi ako nagkakamali because she was given time to rest for at least two weeks,” he added.
Fajarda’s medical documentation revealed he suffered a stroke ahead of his expected testimony.
As special disbursing officer, he handled the withdrawal of ₱112.5 million in DepEd confidential funds distributed across the first three quarters of 2023.
Alongside Fajarda, the prosecution team has obtained subpoenas for military personnel regarding the Youth Leadership Summit—an initiative listed in DepEd documentation submitted to the Commission on Audit to account for the confidential fund expenditures.
Additionally, former DepEd chief of staff, spokesperson, and legal counsel Atty. Michael Poa has been summoned by prosecutors to testify.