Over the defense’s objection, the court declared Acosta a hostile witness under Rule 132, Section 13. The ruling permitted leading, but not misleading, questions during the prosecution’s direct examination.
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Witness record
August 17, 2026
Witnesses called to the stand, with their most consequential testimony linked to the reviewed transcript and official Senate video.
Witnesses
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Gina F. Acosta
Office of the Vice President employee; prosecution witness
Acosta testified that she released ₱125 million to Colonel Raymond Dante Lachica after an instruction she identified as coming from Vice President Sara Duterte. This was her testimony, not a finding by the court.
She also testified that, after the release, Lachica gave her utilization reports and would liquidate funds after confidential activities or operations were implemented. This too remained witness testimony rather than a court finding.
Defense challenged AI-generated imagery used to compare cash bags, questioning its source and foundation. The chair directed Acosta to answer and later recorded a continuing objection to the representations.
Acosta remained on direct examination when the court adjourned early because of inclement weather; defense cross-examination had not yet begun.
Marivic M. Pareja
House archives official; prosecution witness
The prosecution offered Pareja to establish her House Archives position and custody of listed records. Defense then stipulated to her position, custody, and the documents’ transmittal and official-record status.
The court’s judicial notice was limited to the documents’ existence, submission to the House, and status as official House records—not the truth or relevance of their contents.
Subject to later proof that copies were unfaithful reproductions, the chair allowed the parties to presume regularity and excused Pareja without substantive testimony.