FULL - Ferrer at Divinagracia, nagkasagutan sa direct examination ni OVP aide Ontonio | GMA News

Opening Stipulations and Hostile Witness Designation00:00:02

The proceedings open with the swearing-in of Mr. Lemuel G. Antonio, Assistant Chief of Staff of the OVP. The prosecution outlines their goals to prove irregularities in confidential fund usage, including the lack of legitimate purpose, backdated liquidation, and lack of transparency. The court formally declares Mr. Antonio a hostile witness due to his established ties to the Vice President.

Background and Professional History00:10:09

Mr. Antonio details his professional history, confirming his long-term employment under Vice President Sara Duterte, dating back to her tenure in Davao City. He explains his current role, his supervision over key offices like the Administrative and Financial Services Office, and his direct reporting line to the Vice President.

Examination of Confidential Fund Requests00:24:54

The prosecution presents letters and documents from 2022 and 2023. Mr. Antonio confirms that the initial requests for confidential funds lacked detailed computations or projections, noting that the Vice President maintained total discretion over these funds. He admits that supporting documents were often prepared or approved weeks after the initial requests.

Disbursement and Liquidation Procedures00:54:29

The questioning moves to disbursement vouchers and the process of encashing public funds. Antonio clarifies the role of the Special Disbursing Officer and confirms that the encashment of large amounts was conducted via Land Bank. The witness admits he accompanied the SDO during these encashments under specific office orders signed by the Vice President.

Audit Observations and Lack of Supporting Evidence01:07:22

The prosecution confronts Antonio with Audit Observation Memoranda (AOM) from the Commission on Audit. Antonio acknowledges receiving these memoranda and preparing responses. He admits to having no personal knowledge of how funds were spent, noting he relied on information provided by the security group, and confirms a lack of official receipts for major purchases like medical supplies or office furniture.

Review of Accomplishment Reports and Security Personnel01:13:14

The session covers accomplishment reports, highlighting the suspiciously uniform nature of spending across different quarters. The prosecution points out that the total amounts spent remained exactly 125 million pesos across several periods, regardless of varying activity durations. Additionally, the witness confirms the existence of a massive security detail of nearly 500 personnel under the VPSG, questioning the necessity of additional confidential funds for security.