Ex-OVP disbursing officer says she does not know why Duterte picked her for fund role

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 25, 2026

Photo courtesy: Senate of the Philippines FB Page

MANILA, Philippines — Former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta told the Senate impeachment court on Monday that she does not know why Vice President Sara Duterte chose her to handle confidential funds despite having no formal training for the role.

Acosta made the statement during direct examination on the 17th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, which is looking into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education.

Private prosecutor Amando Ligutan questioned Acosta about her qualifications. She said she earned a degree in Customs Administration in Davao but did not take the licensure examination.

The defense objected to the line of questioning, prompting impeachment presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero to ask Ligutan to complete his question.

Escudero then asked Acosta directly why she had been selected to handle confidential funds despite having no training in confidential activities.

Acosta replied that she did not know why Duterte chose her for the role.

Funds released to security official

Acosta also testified that she released confidential funds to Col. Raymund Lachica, then head of the Vice Presidential Security Group, because he was tasked with carrying out the OVP’s confidential activities.

She said she disbursed P500 million in OVP confidential funds to Lachica even though he did not have a fidelity bond.

Tulfo raises signature issue

Sen. Raffy Tulfo later questioned Acosta about documents listing different informant names that appeared to bear similar signatures.

Tulfo asked whether the pattern had raised concerns.

Acosta said she brought the matter to Lachica, who told her the information was sensitive and confidential.

Tulfo then criticized Acosta for what he described as “blind loyalty,” saying that following instructions without question was “istupido,” or stupid.

Asked whether she agreed, Acosta said she did not understand the question and apologized.

Acosta’s testimony is part of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence on the handling and disbursement of confidential funds by the OVP.