AFP investigates Col. Nolasco, Col. Lachica over VP Duterte's confidential funds

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Tuesday that it is investigating two active military officers, Col. Dennis Nolasco and Col. Raymund Lachica, for allegedly receiving portions of confidential funds from offices held by Vice President Sara Duterte.

During a House hearing last November 25, OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta admitted to leaving all the confidential funds (CF) to Lachica, who was tasked with managing them. Similarly, former DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda revealed that he released CF to Nolasco, assigned by Duterte to disburse these funds.

The AFP investigation is focused on identifying any administrative liabilities within the military related to these funds and is also looking into an incident where Lachica allegedly physically assaulted Lt. Col. Jason Villamor during a medical transfer involving OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez.

Vice President Duterte maintains her stance, asserting that she did not misuse OVP funds and viewing the congressional inquiry as a potential test case for impeachment proceedings.

On Monday, advocacy groups filed an official impeachment complaint against Duterte, which was endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña in the House of Representatives.

Duterte is set to face another impeachment complaint scheduled for filing on Wednesday and has yet to respond to these moves.