The House prosecution panel suspects that former Vice Presidential Security Protection Group chief Col. Raymund Lachica may be a “trap” set by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), and has decided not to present him as a hostile witness in the impeachment trial.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua noted in an interview that Lachica recently expressed willingness to testify, but since the OVP facilitated his statement, prosecutors grew wary.
“We thought it might be bait. Why present a witness if you believe he won’t help your case?” Chua said.
He added that the defense panel still has the option to present Lachica, in which case the prosecution will cross-examine him.
Meanwhile, Ramil Madriaga, who previously claimed to be VP Sara Duterte’s “bagman,” will also not be presented, as his name has not surfaced in the trial.
“Whether he’s included or not, it won’t affect the evidence we’ve already submitted,” Chua explained.
Earlier, prosecution spokesperson Ace Barbers confirmed that Lachica, Madriaga, and former DepEd security officer Col. Dennis Nolasco will not be introduced as hostile witnesses.
Prosecutors maintain that their existing evidence and testimony are sufficient to prove alleged misuse of confidential funds by the OVP and DepEd. # (RRN)
