COA auditors summoned to Sara Duterte trial

MANILA, Philippines — State auditors are compelled to testify before the Senate impeachment court on the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte, as House prosecutors shifted to the first article of impeachment against her.

The court on Wednesday, July 29, summoned Commission on Audit auditors Roderick Wamil and Xylene Del Campo to appear before the court on August 3 and 4, respectively.

Marivic Pareja of the House of Representatives Legislative Information Resources Management Department was also summoned to appear on August 5.

The witnesses were requested by the House prosecution team after it presented its first two witnesses for Article I, both Land Bank of the Philippines managers.

LandBank managers Violeta Constantino and Nenita Camposano testified Wednesday on what they described as "unusual" cash withdrawals by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education through their respective bank branches.

Article I covers Duterte's alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and DepEd during her tenure.

Shift to confidential funds. The prosecution last week wrapped up its presentation of evidence for Article IV, which covers Duterte's alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

House prosecutors have since shifted to Article I, calling witnesses and presenting evidence related to the confidential funds given to the OVP and DepEd.

Duterte has denied all wrongdoing.

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