The defense has likewise not said whether Lachica, who received P500 million in confidential funds from former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, would testify.
Poa also defended Acosta’s use of Bisaya during her testimony, rejecting suggestions that she was using the language to evade questions.
“Perhaps it’s not a strategy or evasiveness. It’s really her nature that she is more comfortable speaking Bisaya,” Poa said, noting that Acosta had previously preferred the language during congressional hearings.
Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores and prosecution spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers also rejected suggestions that Acosta was incompetent.
Flores noted her previous experience as special disbursing officer in Davao City and at the OVP, saying large sums would not have been entrusted to someone incapable of handling them.