A name that previously drew public attention over its lack of official civil records has now surfaced in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, after “Mary Grace Piattos” was listed as a witness by the House prosecution panel.
Based on the prosecution’s pre-trial brief submitted to the Senate impeachment court, a total of 57 witnesses have been named, including Office of the Vice President (OVP) Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez and the controversial “Mary Grace Piattos.”
The inclusion of Piattos comes under the first Article of Impeachment, which centers on the alleged misuse of confidential funds. The prosecution listed her among 27 witnesses for this charge, indicating she would be called to testify on the alleged receipt of such funds.
Lopez, meanwhile, is expected to testify on what prosecutors described as the misuse and misappropriation of confidential funds under the OVP.
The name “Mary Grace Piattos” previously surfaced during congressional hearings on the OVP’s confidential expenditures, where it was cited among reported recipients of assistance.
However, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) officials earlier told the House Committee on Justice that no birth, marriage, or death records exist for an individual with that name, raising questions about its identity.
Apart from Piattos, prosecutors also named other witnesses, including former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, officials from the Department of Education, military officers, and other individuals linked to the handling and implementation of confidential funds and related programs.
The prosecution said these witnesses are intended to establish the flow, withdrawal, liquidation, and utilization of confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and related agencies.
The Senate impeachment court is currently conducting pre-trial proceedings, including the marking of evidence, ahead of the formal trial schedule.