Fajarda Unlikely to Testify in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial; Prosecution May Shift Strategy

It is unlikely for Department of Education (DepEd) Special Disbursing Officer Edward Fajarda to take the witness stand on Monday, September 7, in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, House prosecutor Joel Chua said. He said a medical bulletin was issued advising Fajarda to take 30 days of rest. “With that, imposible na maisalang namin siya today (it’s impossible for him to be called today),” Chua told reporters. “Kung ganoon ang mangyayari maga-ano kami, magbabago kami ng strategy. Most likely ang maisasalang namin ngayon is ‘yung PSA,” he added. In late August, Fajarda requested to be excused from the week’s trial after suffering from a stroke. “We are making this request for stipulation out of due consideration for the health and well-being of Mr. Fajarda,” prosecutor Reynaldo Robles said during the trial. The prosecution and defense agreed to stipulate that Fajarda was designated by Duterte as the SDO for the DepEd’s confidential funds in 2023. They also stipulated that Fajarda encashed three checks dated February 20, April 19, and July 11 for 2023, each in the amount of P37 million for a total of P112.5 million. However, the parties did not agree to stipulate that Fajarda “disbursed” the confidential funds to Col. Dennis Nolasco in his capacity as a security officer. Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero then asked the parties whether they agreed to stipulate that Nolasco “received” the confidential funds. The prosecution panel submitted to the court. Duterte’s defense team said they are leaving it up to the court’s appreciation. When asked if the prosecution is withdrawing its request to subpoena Fajarda, Robles asked for a chance to confer with other prosecutors. He said they will make a manifestation later today. The prosecution is currently presenting its evidence on Article 1 of the impeachment complaint, which alleges that Duterte committed an impeachable offense through the misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd when she was still education secretary. —AOL, GMA News