Only Duterte, ex-security officer knew about OVP fund use, witness says

When asked if he, former chief of staff Zuleika Acosta, and Lachica were part of Duterte’s “circle of trust,” Ortonio said, “I can only answer for myself. In terms of working relationships, I would say that I have the trust and confidence of the vice president in terms of doing duties that are assigned to me.” He could not categorically say whether Acosta and Lachica were in that circle, but noted both were entrusted with duties.

Ortonio said he was available when Acosta asked him to accompany her in encashing the funds, but did not join her when the money was later turned over to Lachica.

Earlier Wednesday, Ortonio testified that Commission on Audit observation memorandums on the OVP’s confidential funds did not indicate misuse. “Based on my understanding, ma'am, no misuse,” Ortonio told defense counsel Ferrer when asked if the AOMs contained any finding that the funds had been misused. He said he could not recall any finding of misuse in the Notice of Suspension covering the OVP’s fourth-quarter 2022 confidential funds, adding that it contained only requests for clarification. The AOMs and Notice of Suspension were not final findings by COA’s Intelligence and Confidential Fund Audit Unit because the OVP was given an opportunity to submit comments.

The testimony came as the defense sought to establish the nature of COA’s findings on the confidential funds. The trial is scheduled to continue, with no date set for a verdict.