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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Hindi nabutasan': Prosecutor says COA witness' testimony on VP Sara confidential funds misuse stands

'Hindi nabutasan': Prosecutor says COA witness' testimony on VP Sara confidential funds misuse stands

Published Aug 5, 2026 09:40 am

At A Glance

  • Prosecution claims COA auditor Roderick Wamil's testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged misuse of confidential funds remained unrebutted after cross-examination.
  • Tolosa asserts that Wamil's statements on irregularities in the OVP and DepEd's confidential funds in 2022–2023, including Duterte's direct oversight, were not refuted by the defense.
  • Impeachment article focus centers on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, with unchallenged claims such as P125 million spent in 11 days and rentals averaging P2 million per day.
COA auditor Roderick Wamil (left), defense lawyer Michael Poa (Senate PRIB)
COA auditor Roderick Wamil (left), defense lawyer Michael Poa (Senate PRIB)


Commission on Audit (COA) auditor Roderick Wamil’s testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged confidential funds misuse remained unrebutted, private prosecutor Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr. said.
Tolosa gave this assessment ahead of day 13 of respondent Duterte's Senate impeachment trial Wednesday, Aug. 5.
On Tuesday, Wamill underwent cross examination from defense lawyer Michael Poa, but the prosecution claimed that it went nowhere.
Specifically, Wamil’s testimony on the irregularities found in the use and liquidation of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2022 and 2023, respectively were not debunked.
“Sa tingin namin lalo pa napagtibay yung testimony ng among testigo. Dahil hindi naman nabutasan. In fact, maraming bagay na nilahad niya sa direct examination na hindi na natanong,” Tolosa said during a press conference.
(We believe our witness’s testimony was further strengthened, since it was not undermined. In fact, many points he presented during direct examination were no longer questioned.)
He cited the statements made by Wamil about the numerous documents showing how Duterte personally oversaw the approval, disbursement and liquidation of the confidential funds of her two offices during that time, which her defense did not bother to refute.
“Maliwanag hindi ito nabutasan (Clearly these weren't weakened),” Tolosa said.
He said there was no evidence presented to counter the testimony of Wamil regarding the absence of supporting documents on the use of the confidential funds.
Tolosa said that even the claims utilization of P125 million by the OVP in a mere 11 days and the rentals paid at an average of P2 million per day were not questioned by the defense.
“It means the testimony of the witness on this matter stands,” said the prosecution panel spokesman.
The prosecution team is currently tackling article I of the articles of impeachment, which says that offices under Duterte's control misused P612.5 million worth of confidential funds.
Duterte was DepEd secretary from 2022 to 2024.

Related Tags

Impeachment Sara Duterte confidential funds Michael Poa Benjamin Tolosa Roderick Wamil COA
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