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. (Senate of the Philippines/PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial said the testimony of Office of the Vice President (OVP) assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio suggests that the office treated its confidential funds like petty cash.
The panel issued the statement after Ortonio testified before the Senate impeachment court during the 18th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial on Tuesday, Aug. 25
According to Deputy Speaker Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Ortonio’s explanations appeared to show gaps in the OVP’s liquidation and fund management.
Article continues after this advertisement
