The House prosecution panel said it is not afraid of the possible testimony of Office of the Vice President security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
During a press conference, House Impeachment Adviser Robert Ace Barbers said that if Lachica is called to testify, his statements should provide value to the proceedings.
Barbers said there is little reason at this point to use Lachica as a witness, noting that three hostile witnesses have already testified or are scheduled to testify in the trial.
He identified the witnesses as Gina Acosta, Lemuel Ortonio and Atty. Michael Poa. Barbers said they had appeared during House hearings, allowing the prosecution to know what they would say. He added that they could not depart from their earlier statements.
Lachica, meanwhile, did not appear during the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing.
Barbers also addressed views that Lachica could assume responsibility because millions of pesos in confidential funds were given to him and he implemented activities involving the funds.
According to Barbers, such a position would not carry weight because the person being tried in the impeachment case is Duterte.
If the defense team presents Lachica to establish that the funds were properly used, Barbers said the prosecution is prepared to conduct cross-examination.
The prosecution’s position comes as Lachica’s possible testimony remains a point of discussion in the impeachment proceedings involving Duterte.
