Palace says Acosta testimony strengthens case against VP Sara Duterte

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 24, 2026

PHILIPPINES – Malacañang said the testimony of former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta has strengthened the prosecution’s case against Vice President Sara Duterte in the impeachment trial.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Acosta’s testimony showed that Duterte exercised control over the release of ₱125 million in confidential funds to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica.

Castro said Duterte did not need to physically handle the money to establish accountability, pointing to Acosta’s testimony that the Vice President ordered the release of the funds.

“So, ang ibig sabihin nito, ang may command, ang may kontrol ay walang iba kung ’di si VP Sara,” Castro said.

The Palace official also called for an investigation into Lachica’s role in the implementation of the confidential funds, saying a neutral agency should determine whether there was any wrongdoing or possible conspiracy.

Castro also questioned Acosta’s repeated claim that she relied on Lachica for information about how the funds were used.

“Dito ay makikita ng sambayanang Pilipino kung paano naging dekahon ang sagot ng witness. Paulit-ulit kahit sa ang daling tanong, doon pa rin at doon at doon ang iikot ang sagot niya,” she said.

She further raised concerns over the liquidation and documentation of the confidential funds, stressing that these remain public funds that must be properly accounted for.

On whether the prosecution had presented enough evidence to support Duterte’s conviction, Castro said the Palace believes the evidence is sufficient, particularly on the impeachment article involving the confidential funds.

“Sa ngayon po, ayon sa Palasyo, in a way, yes,” Castro said, referring to the testimony pointing to Duterte and Lachica as having control over the confidential funds.