MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday questioned the prosecution and defense for not including a competent witness, such as a retired intelligence officer, to testify on the handling of confidential and intelligence funds of the Office of the Vice President.
During the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Lacson said he hoped there would be one so that senator-judges could better appreciate how these funds were handled.
Drawing on his intelligence and law enforcement background, Lacson said that confidential and intelligence funds have limited purposes and were drawn only when an actual operation requires money.
"As far as I know, funds are only needed when there's a need arising from an intelligence-gathering operation," Lacson said.
"That's why I'm wondering why the requests are so regular, especially the first one, which came right before Christmas," he added.
In response, Prosecutor Joel Chua from the House of Representatives said the prosecution has reserved witnesses, while defense lawyer Michael Poa said the defense would present "when we feel necessary."
