By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The House prosecution panel has identified 57 witnesses it intends to present during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, including Office of the Vice President (OVP) Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez and the controversial confidential fund recipient identified as “Mary Grace Piattos.”
Based on copies of the prosecution’s pretrial brief obtained by reporters on Thursday, 27 witnesses were listed for Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, which centers on allegations involving the misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds.
The prosecution said Lopez is expected to testify on matters relating to the alleged misuse and handling of confidential funds by the OVP, while “Mary Grace Piattos” is expected to testify regarding the alleged receipt of confidential funds.
Among the other key witnesses named by the prosecution are former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who is expected to testify on the requests and release of confidential funds for both the OVP and the Department of Education.
Also included are Edward Fajarda, who is expected to discuss the withdrawal, turnover, liquidation, and control of confidential funds; Col. Raymund Dante Lachica and Lt. Col. Dennis Nolasco, who will testify on the receipt and utilization of confidential funds; and lawyer Reynold Munsayac, who is expected to testify regarding allegations involving the delivery of OVP confidential funds at Nommu Basho.
Several military officials, including Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing II, Lt. Col. Magtangol Panopio, Lt. Col. Carlos Sangdaan Jr., Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, and other representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were likewise named as witnesses to establish that Youth Leadership Summit and Information Education Campaign activities were funded by the Philippine Army and participating local government units rather than by confidential funds from the Department of Education.
The prosecution also listed lawyer Michael Poa, one of Duterte’s legal counsels, who is expected to testify on the Department of Education’s responses to audit findings of the Commission on Audit and on documents submitted in connection with confidential fund expenditures.
Many of the witnesses had previously appeared before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability during its inquiry into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education.
The name “Mary Grace Piattos” drew public attention during the congressional investigation after lawmakers questioned acknowledgment receipts bearing the name. The Philippine Statistics Authority later informed the committee that no birth, marriage, or death records matching the names “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Kokoy Villamin” were found in its database.
Lopez also figured prominently in the House investigation after lawmakers questioned her role in the handling of confidential funds and cited her for alleged interference in congressional proceedings. Her arrest during the hearings later prompted Vice President Duterte to publicly criticize top government officials, remarks that eventually became part of Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which accuses her of making threats against the President, the First Lady, and the former House Speaker.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to begin the formal trial on July 6, with the prosecution expected to call its witnesses as it presents evidence supporting the impeachment complaint.
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