OVP official Ortonio declared hostile witness in Duterte impeachment trial

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 24, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

MANILA – Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio was declared a hostile witness during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The House prosecution panel sought the declaration after Ortonio’s testimony did not fully support the prosecution’s line of questioning on the OVP’s confidential funds.

The Senate impeachment court granted the request, allowing the prosecution greater flexibility in questioning Ortonio, including the use of leading questions.

Ortonio was presented as a prosecution witness to provide information on the OVP’s operations and the handling of its confidential funds.

His testimony comes after former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, who was also declared a hostile witness during the proceedings.

The prosecution is continuing to present witnesses and evidence as it seeks to establish its allegations against Duterte in the ongoing impeachment trial.