In 2022, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance (ND) regarding around P73 million of the P125 million in confidential funds used by Vice President Sara Duterte. The COA’s findings raised significant concerns, as it was indicated that much of the expenditure did not focus on security-related matters.
The confidential funds were allocated for specific purposes, which included operations and activities considered sensitive in nature. However, the COA’s review revealed a pattern of spending that diverged from these intended uses. The audit scrutinized various transactions attributed to these funds and prompted further inquiries from the public and other government entities.
Questions emerged about how the funds were utilized. Many citizens expressed curiosity about what items or services received funding. Reports indicated that expenditures included purchases unrelated to the security functions that initially warranted the allocation of these funds. The audit raised alarms among transparency advocates who emphasized the need for accountability in government spending, especially concerning public funds.
Focusing on public the expenditure of P125 million, critics noted that a significant portion was either misallocated or misreported. The discrepancy drew the attention of lawmakers and advocacy groups. They called for more rigorous oversight of how confidential funds are spent, particularly in instances where public trust is paramount.
Assertions made by the Vice President’s office suggested that the spending was appropriate and necessary. However, COA’s findings have led to calls for more transparency and clarity in the documentation of expenditures made with confidential funds. The disagreement between the COA and the Vice President’s office illustrates the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring proper governance and spending of public money.
Legal experts highlighted the constitutional implications surrounding the use of confidential funds. There are debates regarding whether spending patterns observed in the audit constitute a breach of fiduciary responsibility.