‘Chippy McDonald’ and ‘Miggy Mango’ Expected to Surface in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial

The names “Chippy McDonald” and “Miggy Mango” are anticipated to be mentioned soon in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as the Senate impeachment court continues to examine Article I of the complaint against her. This development follows ongoing discussions involving “Mary Grace Piattos,” another name that has gained significant attention in the proceedings.

House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V indicated that these names could emerge during the trial. He acknowledged that while Mary Grace Piattos remains the most prominent figure linked to the case, the other two names might also be raised by the prosecution. Ortega expressed confidence that the prosecutors have strategies in place to address these matters during the trial.

The impeachment trial is currently focused on Article I, which accuses Duterte of impeachable offenses related to the alleged systematic misappropriation and irregular liquidation of confidential funds. Specifically, the complaint involves P500 million released to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P112.5 million allocated to the Department of Education (DepEd) during Duterte’s tenure as Education secretary.

Ortega emphasized the importance of the trial in clarifying the actual destination of the confidential funds and determining whether the individuals listed as recipients genuinely received the money. He noted that if proper documentation, due diligence, and correct liquidation procedures had been followed, the case might not have escalated to this level. The trial, therefore, serves to uncover the truth about the funds’ use and recipients.

Earlier in the week, the House prosecution panel announced plans to seek a subpoena for Mary Grace Piattos to compel her appearance at the impeachment trial. According to acknowledgment receipts submitted by the OVP to the Commission on Audit (COA), Piattos was listed as a recipient of the OVP’s 2022 confidential funds, allegedly receiving P70,000. She is also included in the prosecution’s list of witnesses for the trial, as indicated in their pre-trial brief.

In the midst of these developments, Duterte has challenged the impeachment proceedings, claiming there has been a “bending of the law.” She criticized the conduct of the trial, referencing procedural issues from the House of Representatives to the Senate impeachment court. Duterte’s remarks suggest she believes the process has been compromised or mishandled.

Responding to Duterte’s allegations, Ortega stated that she needs to substantiate her claims, pointing out that the impeachment process has followed the proper procedures. He referenced the hearings conducted by the Committee on Justice as evidence that due process was observed.

Ortega also commented on the nature of the questions posed during the trial, describing them as balanced and fair. He expressed respect for both the defense and prosecution teams, as well as the impeachment court itself. Ortega highlighted the importance of mutual respect in the proceedings, noting that despite any accusations of bias, the essential goal is for the truth to emerge.

As the trial progresses, the inclusion of names like Chippy McDonald and Miggy Mango could further illuminate the handling of the confidential funds and the accountability of those involved. The Senate impeachment court’s ongoing examination aims to resolve these issues and determine the extent of any wrongdoing related to the funds disbursed during Duterte’s time in office.