Davao City accountant testifies for defense in VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial
City Accountant Vingelin Bajan was called to explain a ₱64,194.72 payment the Davao City government made in 2023, which the defense says was a salary differential.
Davao City Accountant Vingelin Bajan took the witness stand before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday as the third defense witness in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to DZRH.
Her testimony concerns the prosecution's allegation that Duterte received unauthorized double compensation while serving as vice president. Defense counsel Lindon Bacquel began Bajan's direct examination on the 41st day of the trial.
Based on the defense's offer of testimony, Bajan is expected to describe her duties as city accountant and explain the nature of a ₱64,194.72 payment made by the Davao City local government in 2023. The defense maintains that the amount was a salary differential and not double pay. Bajan is also expected to identify and authenticate documents that support the defense's account of the payment.
Private prosecutor Mae Divinagracia said the prosecution was willing to stipulate that Bajan is the incumbent Davao City accountant and to acknowledge her official functions, DZRH reported. The prosecution, however, reserved the right to contest the rest of her claims during cross-examination.
Why it matters for Davao
The trial is now examining records of the Davao City local government directly, with the city's own accountant called to explain a 2023 payment linked to the Vice President.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by dzrh. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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