MANILA — Senator-judge Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Senate impeachment court would benefit from hearing a competent witness with firsthand experience in handling confidential and intelligence funds, saying such testimony could help senator-judges better assess the evidence presented in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

During the proceedings, Lacson noted that the evidence presented appeared to show regular quarterly cash withdrawals by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which he said differed from his experience in intelligence and law enforcement.

“I’m wondering why neither the prosecution nor the defense is presenting a competent witness in the handling of intelligence and confidential funds. Kasi po in my previous life sa intelligence, sa law enforcement, ang natatandaan ko kasi limited ang purpose ng intelligence at confidential fund. Nagtataka ako, nakita ko ang regularity ng withdrawals ng cash parang every quarter except for Dec. 20,” Lacson said in his manifestation.

He said an expert witness could help educate the impeachment court on whether the pattern of withdrawals was consistent with the normal use of confidential and intelligence funds.

“Sana kung para ma-educate kami at magkaroon kami ng informed decision later on, sana meron tayong competent witness sa pag-handle ng intelligence fund or confidential fund para nang sa ganoon naman ma-appreciate namin at matanong din namin sarili namin, (normal or even) regular ba yung every quarter?” he said.

Lacson said he checked with his staff and found that neither the prosecution nor the defense had included such a witness in their respective lineups.

When House prosecutor Manila Rep. Joel Chua responded that the prosecution intended to present a witness from the Commission on Audit (COA), Lacson said a COA official might not necessarily have operational expertise in administering confidential funds.

“Somebody like a retired intelligence officer, somebody like that na maalam mag-handle,” he said.

According to Lacson, testimony from someone with practical experience in managing confidential and intelligence funds would help senator-judges better appreciate the evidence and reach a more informed decision.

Drawing from his experience in the former Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police, Lacson said intelligence funds are typically requested and disbursed only when operational requirements arise.

“Ang alam ko pagka may pangangailangan dahil may intelligence-gathering operation, may confidential activities, saka pa lang mangangailangan ng pera,” he said.