House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said she personally believes Security Officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica may no longer need to testify in the impeachment trial.
Luistro made the statement despite Lachica’s declaration that he is willing to testify and tell the truth. Lachica has also said he has never refused to take the witness stand.
For Luistro, the key issue is whether the prosecution has already established the allegations contained in Article I of the Articles of Impeachment, which serves as their guide in presenting their case.
She said the prosecution seeks to establish allegations involving the turnover of money to a non-accountable officer, as well as alleged misappropriation and irregular liquidation. Luistro also cited the testimony of Gina Acosta.
Luistro stressed that decisions are made by the prosecution team. She said members may have different views about whether Lachica should testify, but the final decision will be discussed by the team.
Luistro also said Col. Dennis Nolasco may no longer need to be called as a witness.
Prosecution Legal Spokesperson Atty. Benjamin Tolosa Jr. said the prosecution is prepared for cross-examination if Lachica is called by the defense. He said the team is not afraid of facing Lachica on the witness stand.
Tolosa cited Acosta, who was presented as a hostile witness, as an example. He said the prosecution provided the details during cross-examination by defense lawyer Lindon Bacquel.
House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said recent witness statements appeared to indicate that Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp had distanced itself from Lachica.
The prosecution has yet to make a final team decision on whether Lachica will testify.
