OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio during Day 18 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Aug. 25, 2026. Ortonio was declared by the impeachment court as a hostile witness. Photo courtesy of Senate of the Philippines/PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment court designated Office of the Vice President assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio as a hostile witness on Tuesday, granting the House prosecution permission to use leading questions during his direct examination.
As the impeachment court addresses accusations that Vice President Sara Duterte misused confidential funds, Ortonio has become the second prosecution witness classified as hostile.
Hostile witness
A hostile witness refers to a person called to testify by a party despite being against them.
