Former OVP officer takes stand as prosecution’s 1st hostile witness

MANILA, Philippines — Former Office of the Vice President (OVP) Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta took the stand as the House prosecution’s first hostile witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

A hostile witness refers to a person called to testify by a party despite being against them.

In these cases where a hostile witness is presented, leading questions are allowed in the direct examinations.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: WATCH: Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Aug. 17, 2026

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

According to private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan, the prosecution presented Acosta to prove that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) spent P125 million in confidential funds in just 11 days without proper liquidation, without complete or insufficient documents proving the payment.

She was also presented to prove that the OVP  spent P375 million in confidential funds—all within three quarters—also without proper liquidation, without complete or insufficient documents proving the payment.

Meanwhile, court presiding officer and Senator-judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero said doctors and nurses were placed on standby amid Acosta’s appearance before the court, citing her last appearance at a House hearing where she experienced elevated blood pressure.

Acosta currently serves as the OVP’s Vice Presidential Staff Officer VI. /mr