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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lachica affirms readiness to testify in VP Duterte's impeachment trial if summoned

Lachica affirms readiness to testify in VP Duterte's impeachment trial if summoned

Published Aug 25, 2026 06:05 pm

At A Glance

  • Col. Raymund Dante P. Lachica said he is prepared to appear and tell the truth if lawfully summoned in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings.
  • The military terminated its investigation into Lachica's alleged involvement in the disbursement of more than ₱125 million in OVP confidential funds, citing the Ombudsman's jurisdiction.
  • Lachica has been under "attached unassigned" status at Philippine Army headquarters since October 2025. The AFP said it will comply with any proper subpoena from the Senate impeachment court.
Philippine Army Colonel Raymund Lachica (File photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines Security and Protection Group)
Philippine Army Colonel Raymund Lachica (File photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines Security and Protection Group)
Philippine Army (PA) Colonel Raymund Dante P. Lachica, former head of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail, said he is prepared to appear and testify if he is lawfully summoned in connection with the impeachment proceedings against the second highest official of the land.
“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 on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
His statement came as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that it had ended its internal inquiry into his alleged involvement in the disbursement of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
Lachica previously headed the AFP Security and Protection Group (formerly the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group or VPSPG), and was linked to the alleged turnover of more than P125 million in OVP confidential funds in December 2022.
Former OVP disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified during the impeachment proceedings that Duterte instructed her to release the money to Lachica. The matter also became part of separate House investigations.
Despite the termination of the AFP inquiry, Lachica said he remains ready to appear before any proper forum if required.
The AFP said Lachica has been under “attached unassigned” status at the Philippine Army headquarters since Oct. 4, 2025 to keep him available should he be summoned in connection with the allegations.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military ended its inquiry on Lachica because the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman.
“We respect the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and the right to due process. With this, the inquiry regarding these allegations was recommended for termination and conclusion to avoid duplication of functions,” Padilla said.
“That is the very reason he is placed under attached unassigned status, so that in the event he is called upon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows that we are really supporting and cooperating with the conduct of the investigation,” she added.
The AFP has yet to receive a subpoena from the Senate impeachment court but Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the military would comply with a proper summons.
“We have to receive first the subpoena. The Armed Forces of the Philippines would always respect the rule of law and all democratic processes being conducted. One such is the cognizance of this particular court to subpoena particular persons,” Trinidad said.

Related Tags

Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica Philippine Army VPSPG Vice President Sara Duterte confidential funds impeachment
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