Vice President Sara Duterte is currently under scrutiny over allegations relating to the disbursement of confidential funds within her office. At the heart of the controversy is the claim that Duterte attempted to shield key staff from testifying at a congressional inquiry. The funds in question, valued at approximately PHP 500 million, were allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), sparking significant debate about their intended use and ultimate expenditure.
On November 11, 2024, the House of Representatives resumed its inquiry into the alleged misuse of these confidential funds. The investigation aims to shed light on the expenditure practices within the OVP and potentially identify any misappropriation of these financial resources. Reports suggest that several senior officials from Duterte’s office were notably absent from the hearing, triggering accusations of a cover-up.
During the inquiry, Congress members voiced their dissatisfaction with the absence of key OVP officials. Representative Romeo Acop, one of the prominent figures in the investigation, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability in the utilization of the funds. Acop highlighted the difficulty of proceeding with the investigation without firsthand testimonies from those directly involved in the financial operations of the OVP.
Despite these concerns, Vice President Duterte has defended her office’s stance. According to her statements, the absence of her key staff at the inquiry was due to their workload and ongoing commitments, which she deemed as priorities. Her explanation, however, did not sit well with some lawmakers, who continued to insist on the importance of full cooperation in the probe.
The Commission on Audit (COA) had earlier flagged the disbursement of these confidential funds, further fueling the need for an exhaustive review. The COA’s reports suggested possible irregularities in the handling of these funds, leading to increased scrutiny from both the public and government bodies. This prompted the House of Representatives to intensify its efforts to uncover the truth behind the management of these funds.
The controversy, often referred to as the “confidential funds scandal,” has gained significant attention across the nation. It has raised questions about the regulations governing the use of such funds and the level of oversight required to prevent potential misuse. Furthermore, the issue has become a point of contention between those advocating for greater transparency in government operations and those defending the discretion traditionally associated with confidential funds.