Davao City Accountant Vingelin Bajan took the stand on Tuesday as the third defense witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, addressing allegations of double compensation.
Bajan testified before the Senate impeachment court on the 41st day of the trial during a direct examination conducted by defense counsel Atty. Lindon Bacquel.
According to the defense, Bajan’s testimony aims to clarify her official duties and explain a ₱64,194.72 payment issued by the Davao City local government in 2023. The defense maintains that the funds constituted a salary differential, pushing back against prosecution claims that the Vice President received unauthorized double compensation.
Bajan is also tasked with identifying and authenticating supporting financial documents.
Meanwhile, Atty. Mae Divinagracia of the private prosecution panel stated that the prosecution was willing to stipulate Bajan’s role as the incumbent city accountant and recognize her official functions.
However, the prosecution reserved the right to challenge the remaining aspects of her testimony during cross-examination.