Prosecution Drops 3 Witnesses in VP Duterte Impeachment Trial

The House prosecution panel announced Friday that it will no longer present Ramil Madriaga, Col. Raymund Lachica, and Col. Dennis Nolasco as witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. "We won’t present Lachica. It is not necessary because the previous witnesses’ testimony already substantiates our allegations," said prosecution panel adviser Robert Ace Barbers in an online press conference. Manila Rep. Benny Abante concurred, stating that fielding more witnesses who are not employees of the OVP would be an "overkill." He added that Ms. Gina Acosta’s testimony alone is more than sufficient. Lachica and Nolasco previously served as chief and deputy chief, respectively, of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group. They are alleged to have disbursed confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte concurrently headed. Madriaga, described as Duterte's alleged bagman, reportedly bared during a House investigation that he delivered millions of pesos to various individuals on the Vice President's orders in 2022. "With the witnesses that the prosecution panel has presented, we have already proven that, and it's now in the hands of our senator-judges to weigh the witnesses and evidence we have presented, so there is no need for these additional witnesses - Col. Nolasco, Col. Lachica and Madriaga," Barbers reiterated. Abante suggested it is time to subpoena the Vice President herself, stating, "Let's go to the jugular." However, House impeachment prosecutor Jeol Chua clarified, "We have the option to call her, but we can't force her." House prosecution panel head Gerville Luistro mentioned that the witness list for the remaining articles of impeachment is being "reevaluated." The panel aims to conclude the presentation of witnesses for the article concerning the use of confidential funds by September 9. —Llanesca Panti/LDF, GMA News