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Sara Duterte impeachment trial resumes with key witness testimony
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Philippines /Elections & Politics

Sara Duterte impeachment trial resumes with key witness testimony

From Philippine Daily Inquirer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial resumes with special disbursing officer Gina Acosta returning to the witness stand.
  • Acosta, declared a hostile witness, is expected to continue testimony regarding the alleged disbursement of P125 million in OVP confidential funds.
  • The trial will proceed to cross-examination by Duterte's defense team after the prosecution concludes its questioning, followed by another witness.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is set to continue its 17th day, with special disbursing officer Gina Acosta returning to the witness stand. Proceedings were previously disrupted by inclement weather.

Duterte instructed her to turn over P125 million in cash

โ€” Gina AcostaDuring Day 16 of the trial, regarding the alleged handling of OVP confidential funds.

Acosta, who has been declared a hostile witness, will face further direct examination from the House prosecution. Her testimony is under intense scrutiny following her previous claims that Duterte instructed her to hand over P125 million in cash. This sum was reportedly packed into four traveling bags.

the cash, consisting of P1,000 bills, was packed into four oblong-shaped traveling bags and brought to the OVP.

โ€” Gina AcostaDescribing the alleged disbursement of confidential funds.

The prosecution aims to complete its questioning of Acosta. Following this, Duterte's defense team will have the opportunity to cross-examine her. After Acosta's testimony concludes, former Department of Education special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda is slated to take the stand. The impeachment court is also expected to consider a proposal to shift the trial schedule from morning to afternoon sessions.

she followed Duterteโ€™s instruction to turn over the P125 million to Lachica.

โ€” Gina AcostaConfirming the alleged transfer of funds.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Philippine Daily Inquirer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.