Colonel Raymund Lachica stands at the center of the ongoing impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. Accused of mismanaging confidential funds, Lachica's potential testimony looms large yet remains uncertain as neither the prosecution nor the defense has taken steps to summon him.
The Stakes of Testimony
Lachica is the 'missing link' in the story of Duterte’s alleged misuse of public funds.
Senator Erwin Tulfo
The former security officer for Duterte, Lachica is implicated in the alleged unlawful disbursement of around half a billion pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President, as confirmed by previous hostile witnesses.
Senator-judges have expressed interest in hearing from him, but both parties are weighing the risks of calling him to the stand. The unpredictability of his testimony poses a dilemma: it could either validate their case or undermine it.
Despite the prosecution's concerns, some legal experts argue that allowing the defense to call Lachica may shift the burden of proof. The defense has not yet indicated plans to summon him, but if they do, it could provide the prosecution an opportunity for cross-examination.
As the court proceedings unfold, the question remains whether Colonel Lachica will testify, and if so, what impact his words will have on the trial's outcome.