Missing link? Senate may summon Lachica

MANILA, Philippines — Repeatedly mentioned in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, her former chief security officer Col. Raymund Lachica might be made to take the witness stand after all, even if both the prosecution and the defense see no need for it.

Presiding officer Francis Escudero gave the assurance yesterday in response to concerns raised by Sen. Erwin Tulfo regarding Lachica not being made to personally speak before the court despite his clear involvement in the disbursement of Duterte’s confidential funds as well as his declared willingness to testify.

“May I once again encourage both counsels, the prosecution and the defense, to consider presenting the individual who appears to be the missing link in these testimonies we have heard so far,” Tulfo said.

He said the security officer had even appeared on TV expressing his willingness to testify, and that even Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. had declared that it’s up to the Senate how it would like to deal with Lachica.

“I understand, Mr. Presiding Officer, we cannot compel him to appear. But he has been repeatedly named by several witnesses. And it may be helpful to this court to hear directly from that individual so that gaping holes in the testimony may be clarified and the facts may be properly connected,” Tulfo said.

“I’m sure all the senator-judges would like to ask him. I have a lot of questions, Mr. presiding officer. That’s why I am praying that one day we will be able to talk to Colonel Lachica so we can get over this,” he added.

Escudero assured Tulfo that the court can compel a witness to testify, if neither the defense nor the prosecution has any plan to present him or her in court – but only after the parties have presented their evidence.

“The manifestation is noted. As earlier ruled by the presiding officer, we cannot compel either party to call a witness. However, after the presentation of the parties’ evidence… the court may exercise its discretion to call a witness,” Escudero said. “That time will come, should Colonel Lachica not be called by either party.”

Defense spokesman Michael Poa said they have no communication with Lachica.

Rep. Gerville Luistro said the prosecution is “not inclined” to call Lachica despite his being in the pretrial brief.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson for his part slammed the OVP’s “copy paste” of targets in its Physical and Financial Plan.

Lachica, despite being entrusted with hundreds of millions of pesos, turns out to be not an employee of the OVP. –  Neil Jayson Servallos, Bella Cariaso, Ghio Ong