This report is part of Inquirer’s special coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings. For real-time updates, follow our live coverage of the impeachment.
MANILA, Philippines – The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 18th day Tuesday, with Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio set to testify on the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds.
Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in encashing the funds and helped transport the cash in traveling bags.
WATCH: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 25, 2026
- The House prosecution is seeking to have Ortonio declared a hostile witness, which would allow prosecutors to ask leading questions if the Senate impeachment court grants the request. His testimony could shed light on the handling and liquidation of the confidential funds.
- The Senate impeachment court is also expected to rule on public statements by lawyers from both sides discussing the merits of the trial, which are prohibited under impeachment rules.
- This development forms part of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence and witnesses under Article 1 which involves the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds—P500 million under the OVP and P112.5 million under Department of Education (DepEd)
- The prosecution formally shifted to Article I on July 29 after concluding the presentation of evidence under Article IV./ dp
‘NAGTUTURUAN NA SILA E’ WATCH: Deputy Speaker Rep. Paolo Ortega said they are expecting OVP Asst. Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio to be more cooperative this time as Ortonio takes the witness stand for VP Duterte’s impeachment trial this Tuesday compared to when he first spoke as… pic.twitter.com/FoETcP9oMh
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 25, 2026
WATCH: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | August 25, 2026
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