Col. Raymund Lachica, the former chief of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail, on Tuesday said he never refused to testify before the Senate impeachment court and is ‘prepared to tell the truth’ should he be summoned to stand as witness.
Lachica issued the statement after his name was floated several times by former Office of the Vice President (OVP) Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta during Monday’s trial where Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds is currently being tackled.
During the hearing, Acosta admitted that she handed the office’s confidential funds to Lachica-even if she knew that the latter was not a bonded officer.
She also confirmed that it was Lachica who released the funds for implementation of confidential activities.
‘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 statement, as provided by the OVP.
INQUIRER has asked the OVP what made Lachica issue the statement, but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.
The prosecution panel has also yet to actually confirm whether or not it will summon Lachica as a witnesses in Duterte’s impeachment trial