Duterte trial: Ex-DepEd SDO Fajarda’s appearance moved to Sept. 7

MANILA, Philippines — The presentation of former Department of Education (DepEd) special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda before the Senate Impeachment Court hearing the case of Vice President Sara Duterte has been moved to Sept. 7.

His presentation as part of the prosecution’s witnesses was supposed to be on Aug. 25, but was suspended after the court received a medical certificate informing it that Fajarda had suffered a stroke.

“With respect to the advice of the physician to take a rest for the period of two weeks—we understand that the medical certificate was issued on Aug. 20 and two weeks will end on Sept. 3 and that is a Thursday; therefore we would like to make a reservation on Sept. 7, for the presentation of Edward Fajarda still as part of the prosecution’s witnesses,” lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said.

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Luistro then requested a certified copy of the medical certificate.

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Presiding Officer Francis Escudero directed the head of the Senate’s Medical and Dental Bureau to examine the witness, validate the medical findings, and submit a report to the court regarding Fajarda’s condition.

“And if he indeed will be unable to testify this week, and when he can at all testify,” Escudero said.

READ: Acosta expresses trust in Sara Duterte’s use of confidential funds

Presentation of Ortonio to proceed

Meanwhile, the presentation of Office of the Vice President assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio, also as part of the prosecution’s witnesses, will proceed on Aug. 25.

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READ: Senate impeachment court grants witness’ request for leave

This is after the witness asked to be excused from attending the hearing from Aug. 17 to 19 due to his scheduled psychologist licensure exam.

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However, the exam has since been reset to Sept. 1 and 2 due to inclement weather.

“A subpoena has been issued to him to attend today and tomorrow’s hearing, so we expect Mr. Ortonyo to be here tomorrow as a witness of the prosecution, and we note and appreciate the manifestation of Mr. Ortonyo regarding the postponement of his exams,” Escudero said. /mcm