The House prosecution team must postpone its scheduled presentation of former Department of Education (DepEd) special disbursing officer (SDO) Edward Fajarda before the Senate impeachment court following his notification that a medical condition prevents his attendance at this week’s trial.
During Monday’s impeachment session, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding over the tribunal, announced receipt of Fajarda’s correspondence and accompanying medical certificate regarding his absence from the hearings set for August 24, 25, and 26.
“Excusing himself from attending the (August) 24, 25, and 26 trial because, according to the letter and the medical certificate, Mr Fajarda was confined in the ICU for observation, although he is in a regular room now, because he suffered from a stroke on the lower back side of the brain,” Escudero said.
Escudero stated that the court will mandate an independent evaluation of Fajarda’s health before making a decision on when he can provide testimony.
“However, before we excuse him as requested, the court is instructing and directing the head of the Senate’s Medical and Dental Bureau, Dr. Sison to examine the witness and validate the medical findings with his physicians and submit a report to this Court regarding his condition and if indeed he will be unable to testify this week and when if at all he can testify,” he added.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, leading the House prosecution team, requested an official copy of the medical documentation.
Luistro highlighted the attending physician’s recommendation for a two-week rest period, noting the document was issued on August 20.
“With respect to the advice of the physician to take a rest for a period of two weeks, we understand that the medical certificate was issued on August 20 and two weeks will end on September 3, and that is a Thursday. And therefore, we would like to make a reservation on September 7 for the presentation of Edward Fajarda,” Luistro added.
Additionally, Luistro petitioned the tribunal to issue subpoenas for Col. Manaros Boransing II, Col. Magtanggol Panopio, and retired Col. Adonis Bajao to attend Wednesday’s hearing.
These current and former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are slated to testify concerning the management of confidential funds within DepEd.
Fajarda’s prospective testimony is considered pivotal to the prosecution’s case regarding confidential funds overseen by Vice President Sara Duterte during her tenure as education secretary.