Army officer says his issued certificate does not explain DepEd’s CF use

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Army (PA) officer testified in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that the certificate he issued for a youth summit with the Department of Education (DepEd), which was then headed by Duterte, was not a valid supporting document for liquidation before the Commission on Audit (COA).

Col. Magtanggol Panopio made the pronouncement during the 20th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial after earlier admitting of being shocked that DepEd used his certification to justify its expenses.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Sept. 1, 2026

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During an interjection by Senator-judge Joel Villanueva, Panopio outrightly stated that he personally thought that DepEd’s use of its confidential funds has no relation with the certification he issued.

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“I think it has no relation with my certification,” Panopio said when asked to clarify the matter.

According to Panopio, his certification was meant to merely certify that the activities backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were being conducted.

Asked if he knew at the time that DepEd would eventually use the certificate he issued before COA, Panopio responded “no.”

“It would not suffice,” he said on his certification.

The impeachment court is currently tackling Article I, which involves Duterte’s alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of confidential funds through DepEd and her own office. /mr