Manila, Aug. 25 -- Malacanang on Tuesday said evidence presented by the prosecution in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has strengthened the case for her conviction, particularly over the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said testimony from former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta showed that Duterte exercised control over the release of PHP125 million in confidential funds.

Castro made the statement during a Palace press briefing when asked about Acosta's testimony that she never personally saw Duterte take or keep any of the money she disbursed.

Castro said physically handling the funds was not necessary to establish accountabil...