An official from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) acknowledged that Vice President Sara Duterte utilized two different signatures across official documents associated with confidential allocations.
During impeachment trial proceedings, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding over the court, pointed out a visible variation between Duterte’s signature on a September 16, 2022 document and a letter requesting confidential funds dated August 22, 2022.
Both items were introduced into evidence by House prosecution panel member Atty. Mae Divinagracia.
“The Court noticed that the signature of the Vice President in this (September) document appears to be different (from) the signature in the August 22 document. So the vice president has at least two signatures, so far. Can you confirm that both are her signatures?” Escudero inquired.
Testifying before the court, OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio verified the authenticity of both markings.
“Yes, I can confirm, Your Honor, that both are the signatures of the Vice President,” Ortonio stated.
Pressed by Escudero on whether an individual could maintain such variation in their signature, Ortonio agreed.
“Yes, that’s correct, Your Honor,” he added.
Ortonio further testified that Duterte directly authorized the 2022 request for ₱125 million in confidential funds shortly after assuming office following former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who did not request confidential allocations during her six-year term.
The witness affirmed that the initial request bypassed standard internal administrative reviews and budgetary evaluations within the OVP.
“It was the Vice President (herself), Your Honor. The amount came directly from Vice President Sara Duterte,” Ortonio testified.
Records presented during the trial indicate that the entire ₱125 million sum was withdrawn and fully disbursed within an 11-day period, spanning December 21 to December 31, 2022.
Earlier in the session, Escudero formally designated Ortonio as a hostile witness, noting his continued tenure at the Vice President’s pleasure and potential loss of position should Duterte be removed from office.