Prosecutors in Manila presented testimony on Thursday alleging Vice President Sara Duterte ordered the release of confidential funds to a security officer [1].

The proceedings mark a critical phase in the impeachment trial, as the prosecution seeks to prove the misuse of government resources. The outcome could determine whether the vice president remains in office or is removed for official misconduct.

During day 16 of the trial [1], the prosecution introduced testimony from former Office of the Vice President (OVP) Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta. The evidence suggests that Duterte directed the release of funds to a security officer, identified in some reports as Colonel Raymund Dante [1] and in others as Colonel Raymund Lachica [3].

There are contradictions regarding the total amount of money involved. One report states the amount released was P125 million [1], while another report cites a figure as high as P500 million [3].

The defense team for the vice president has objected to the evidence presented during this session. Specifically, the camp raised objections to the use of an AI simulation intended to represent the P125 million in cash [1].

The trial has continued through August, with previous sessions on Aug. 3 [2] and Aug. 17 [3] focusing on the legality of the OVP's spending habits. The prosecution maintains that the funds were handled outside of standard government protocols, an allegation the defense continues to contest.

Legal representatives for Duterte said the evidence is flawed. They argue that the prosecution is relying on simulations rather than concrete proof of misappropriation.

“Prosecutors presented testimony that Duterte ordered the release of confidential funds to a security officer.”

The disparity in reported figures and the use of AI simulations in court highlight the evidentiary challenges in this impeachment trial. If the prosecution can prove that the vice president bypassed financial protocols to move millions of pesos, it would establish a legal basis for misuse of public funds. However, the defense's focus on the nature of the evidence suggests the trial will hinge on whether the court accepts circumstantial testimony and simulations as admissible proof.