AFP ends Lachica probe, clears officer to attend Senate impeachment proceedings

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it has terminated its inquiry into allegations against Colonel Raymund Lachica and his involvement in the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

At a press briefing, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military terminated the inquiry after the Office of the Ombudsman took cognizance of the complaints against Lachica.

“First of all, the Armed Forces of the Philippines respects the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and, of course, the right to due process,” Padilla said.

“So with this, we recommended the termination and conclusion of the inquiry into the allegations against him to avoid duplication of functions, particularly since the Office of the Ombudsman has already taken cognizance of the complaints involving the concerned individual,” she added.

On Tuesday, Lachica said he is prepared to appear and testify if he is lawfully invited to the Senate impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I have never refused to appear or testify; if lawfully called, I am prepared to tell the truth, subject to applicable laws and security restrictions,” Lachica said in a message to GMA News' Marisol Abdurahman.

In a House hearing in 2024, Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd) disbursement officers said millions of pesos in confidential funds were transferred to Colonels Dennis Nolasco and Raymund Dante Lachica of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).

According to OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, Vice President Sara Duterte gave the go-ahead for her to turn over P125 million in confidential funds to Lachica in 2022.

Meanwhile, DepEd special disbursement officer Edward Fajarda said that the department in 2023 used P112.5 million in confidential funds and withdrew P37.5 million from a bank, which it released to Nolasco in weekly tranches.

The AFP also said it would allow Lachica to attend the Senate impeachment proceedings against Duterte if he receives a proper summons.

Padilla said the military observes established protocols when an active-duty officer is required to appear before a government body.

“If there is a proper summons, we would abide by it,” she said.

The AFP said the chain of command is informed when a military officer is subpoenaed to appear before a court or other authorized proceeding.

Regarding the complaints before the Ombudsman, Padilla said Lachica may seek legal assistance from the AFP’s Judge Advocate General Service. However, he may also opt to hire his own lawyer.

Lachica is currently in “attached unassigned status” at Philippine Army headquarters, according to Padilla.

Lachica remains on active military status while the case undergoes due process, she added.— with a report from Marisol Abdurahman/MCG/AOL, GMA News