Duterte impeachment trial: Defense says CF payee names are ‘aliases’

Defense counsel Justin Gular. Photo from Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippines — For the first time since the impeachment proceedings started in July, Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team stated that the names of those who signed acknowledgment receipts (AR) for confidential fund (CF) payments are “aliases.” Defense counsel Justin Gular made the revelation during Duterte’s trial on Monday when asked by Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros to clarify the matter. Over the years, lawmakers and lawyers have questioned the unusual names of those who signed the ARs for confidential expenditures made by Duterte’s offices — the Office of the Vice President and, previously, the Department of Education — such as the infamous Mary Grace Piattos. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Duterte trial Day 22: PSA official to testify on CF payees’ identities “Your honor, given that this has become a material matter, we have to couch this answer that this is classified information, but these are in fact aliases … for the consideration of this court,” Gular said. “But I hope you understand, your honor, that in threshing out this matter … we will do this at the appropriate time during our presentation of evidence,” he added. Due to this, Gular said he would “veer away” from drawing conclusions of law and fact, as it is not yet the defense’s turn to present its evidence. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.