MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial said it will not rush former Department of Education (DepEd) special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda to testify, as the key witness continues to recover from a reported stroke.
House Deputy Speaker and prosecution counsel Paolo Ortega V said Fajarda needs time to rest and recover before appearing before the Senate impeachment court.
The prosecution’s position was echoed by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, who said the panel is prepared to wait until Fajarda is medically fit to face the court.
The development comes as Fajarda’s testimony is being closely watched because of his former role in handling DepEd confidential funds during Duterte’s tenure as education secretary.
Fajarda’s testimony moved to September
Fajarda was originally scheduled to testify on August 25. His appearance was postponed after the impeachment court received a medical certificate stating that he had suffered a stroke affecting the lower back portion of his brain.
The court subsequently ordered its own Medical and Dental Bureau to independently verify his condition and determine when he could safely testify.
After the medical assessment, Fajarda was given additional time to recover, with his testimony moved to September 7.
The prosecution had initially sought to reserve a September 7 hearing date, noting that the two-week rest period indicated in Fajarda’s medical certificate would end in early September.
Why Fajarda matters in the impeachment case
Fajarda served as a special disbursing officer at DepEd during Duterte’s time as secretary.
According to the prosecution, he was tasked with the disbursement and liquidation of P112.5 million in DepEd confidential funds covering the first three quarters of 2023.
That makes his testimony potentially significant to the prosecution’s allegations concerning the use of confidential funds.
The defense and prosecution have already agreed on some basic facts concerning Fajarda’s role. However, the defense rejected nine of the 11 stipulations proposed by the prosecution, meaning prosecutors would still have to establish those disputed facts through evidence and testimony.
Among the matters disputed by the defense are claims involving Fajarda and his wife’s positions at DepEd and later at the Office of the Vice President, their relationship with Duterte, and their inclusion as co-respondents in separate Ombudsman proceedings.
The defense did agree that Fajarda served as an executive assistant and special disbursing officer for DepEd confidential funds and that he was responsible for disbursing and liquidating the P112.5 million in funds.
Prosecution says it will not force the witness
With Fajarda still recovering, prosecutors have made clear that his health will take priority over the original hearing schedule.
Ortega said forcing the witness to appear while he is unwell could prevent him from providing meaningful testimony and could make it difficult for him even to attend the proceedings.
Abante likewise said the prosecution would be willing to wait until Fajarda is well enough to testify, stressing that the panel would not pressure or rush him.
The approach also comes as the prosecution continues presenting other witnesses while waiting for Fajarda.
Trial moves forward despite the delay
Fajarda’s postponement has not stopped the impeachment proceedings.
The prosecution has continued presenting witnesses and evidence involving Duterte’s alleged use of confidential funds. During the trial’s recent proceedings, former Office of the Vice President special disbursing officer Gina Acosta and OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio provided testimony concerning the handling and implementation of confidential-fund activities.
The prosecution has also sought testimony from Armed Forces of the Philippines officials in connection with activities cited in documents used to justify DepEd confidential-fund expenditures.
Meanwhile, the Senate impeachment court has continued enforcing its procedural rules, including requirements concerning the disclosure of witnesses. Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified that the five-day disclosure rule applies to witnesses who were not already identified in the pre-trial order.
The next key date
For now, September 7 is the date to watch for Fajarda’s potential appearance before the Senate impeachment court.
But his testimony remains dependent on his medical condition and ability to participate in the proceedings.
The prosecution has signaled that it is prepared to wait rather than compromise the witness’s recovery.
That leaves one major question hanging over the next stage of the trial: When Fajarda finally takes the witness stand, what will his testimony reveal about the P112.5 million in DepEd confidential funds?
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