Lachica, Nolasco may still be presented by defense as witnesses — Escudero

Military officials Colonel Raymund Lachica and Colonel Dennis Nolasco may still be presented as witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by her defense team, Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Monday.

“We do not know yet if the defense will call Lachica and Nolasco because I believe they are listed as a common witness supposedly by both parties in the pre-trial order. So there may still be a chance,” Escudero said.

This came after Senator-Judges Erwin and Raffy Tulfo expressed that they want to question the two regarding the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

Lachica and Nolasco served as chief and deputy chief of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, respectively. They allegedly disbursed the confidential funds of the OVP and DepEd when it was headed by Duterte.

Meanwhile, Escudero said that the Impeachment court may also call the two military officials to the witness stand.

“Nothing prevents a court from calling a witness, not only as amicus curiae but also as a witness, or even recalling a witness for that matter should the court decide at the proper time to do so,” he said.

He said that this may happen following the parties’ presentation of evidence.

“When we feel that there is a need, then we can discuss it and put it into a vote if necessary,” Escudero said.

Last week, the House prosecution panel said it would no longer present Lachica, Nolasco, and Madriaga as witnesses.

This was affirmed by House prosecution panel head Gerville Luistro during trial, saying that the allegation of misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds has been satisfied by the witnesses already presented.

Luistro said their decision is anchored on their judgment and right to decide on the witnesses and evidence to be presented. —AOL, GMA News