Col. Lachica not under OVP, Ortonio tells impeachment court

Lemuel Ortonio, Office of the Vice President (OVP) Director for Administrative and Finance, said Col. Raymund Lachica  is not an employee of the OVP.

Senator judge Vicente Sotto III sought clarification on the employment status of Lachica in the OVP during Wednesday’s impeachment trial.

Sotto noted that Ortonio’s previous experience as head of human resources in the Davao City government placed him in a position to clarify Lachica’s status within the office.

“I'm sure you would know, what is the employment status of Col. Lachica in the Office of the Vice President?” Sotto asked.

Ortonio said Lachica, who serves as group commander of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), is not employed by the OVP.

Instead, Lachica was designated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to serve as VPSPG group commander.

“Therefore, designation? He is not employed? He does not have any employment status in the Office of the Vice President?” Sotto followed up.

Ortonio confirmed that Lachica has no employment status with the OVP.

“That’s all I wanted to know, Mr. President. Thank you,” Sotto said.

The exchange followed Sotto’s earlier questions establishing that administrative and finance matters at the OVP are handled through Ortonio, who confirmed that he oversees these functions.