VP Sara’s assistant chief of staff Ortonio declared second hostile witness in impeachment trial

August 25, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Vice President Sara Duterte’s Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio was declared a hostile witness as he appeared to testify in her impeachment trial on alleged confidential fund misuse.

Ortonio is the second hostile witness for the prosecution, following special disbursing officer Gina Acosta.

Being deemed a hostile witness means the prosecution is allowed to ask him leading questions.

Ortonio previously worked for the Davao City government when Duterte served as mayor.

Private prosecutor Divinagracia said Ortonio’s testimony was being offered to prove that the P500 million confidential funds of the OVP were not used for legitimate confidential public purposes.

She said the prosecution also intends to show that the explanations for the use of the confidential funds were a sham, giving rise to a presumption of misappropriation.

“Pabago bago ang paliwanag, walang detalye, walang dokumento sumusuporta. Pagtatakip, hindi pagpapaliwanag. Hanggang ngayon, hindi na account ang P500 million ng bayan,” she said.

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero declared Ortonio a hostile witness based on adverse interest, after noting that he is still working for Duterte, serves at her pleasure, and is co-terminus with her.