Senator-judge Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged both the prosecution and defense panels in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to call an expert witness on the handling of confidential and intelligence funds to guide the court’s decision.
Speaking on the 10th day of the trial, Lacson highlighted that evidence presented on Wednesday revealed quarterly cash withdrawals by the Office of the Vice President—a pattern he found questionable based on his extensive background in law enforcement and intelligence operations.
In his manifestation, Lacson expressed surprise that neither side had lined up an expert witness on the operational handling of these funds.
“Kasi in my previous life sa intelligence, sa law enforcement, ang natatandaan ko kasi limited ang purpose ng intelligence at confidential fund. Nagtataka ako, nakita ko ang regularity ng withdrawals ng cash parang every quarter except for Dec. 20,” Lacson noted.
“Sana kung para ma-educate kami at magkaroon kami ng informed decision later on, sana mayroon tayong competent witness sa pag-handle ng intelligence fund or confidential fund para nang sa ganoon naman ma-appreciate namin at matanong din namin sarili namin, (normal or even) regular ba yung every quarter?” he added.
After verifying with his staff, Lacson confirmed that no such witness was included in either party’s list.
When House prosecutor and Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua stated that their witness would come from the Commission on Audit (COA), Lacson countered that auditing officials might lack actual operational experience.
“Somebody like a retired intelligence officer, somebody like that na maalam mag-handle,” Lacson suggested.
Drawing from his service in the Philippine Constabulary and Philippine National Police (PNP), Lacson emphasized that intelligence funds are strictly disbursed based on operational need rather than a routine schedule.
“Ang alam ko pagka may pangangailangan dahil may intelligence-gathering operation, may confidential activities, saka pa lang mangangailangan ng pera,” he explained.
Day 10 of the trial focused on Article I of the impeachment complaint regarding the alleged misuse of confidential funds, featuring testimonies from former Land Bank managers Nenita Camposano and Violeta Constantino.
The House prosecution panel is set to present COA officials when trial proceedings resume on Monday, August 3, to examine the disbursement and liquidation of the ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.