The Commission on Audit reported a significant increase in the 2023 travel expenses for the Office of the Vice President in the Philippines due to both foreign and domestic travels made by Vice President Sara Duterte, with the rise being notable compared to 2022 expenses.
The financial report of the OVP reveals that travel expenses reached a total of PHP 42.58 million in 2023. This marks a sharp increase from the PHP 20.1 million spent in 2022. In particular, local travel expenses saw a substantial rise. The COA noted that spending on local trips amounted to PHP 31.43 million, up from PHP 18.6 million the previous year. The heightened expenditure was attributed in part to Vice President Duterte’s trips, where she was accompanied by her own security detail.
The COA’s findings are part of its annual audit report for 2024. This report offers a detailed analysis of the financial activities and expenditures of national government agencies, including the OVP. The report emphasized the increased allocation for travel expenses, raising questions about the justification for such spending levels.
In addition to travel expenses, the COA report also highlighted other significant financial outlays within the OVP. One notable expenditure was PHP 375 million in confidential expenses for 2023. This amount represents a marked increase from the PHP 125.48 million spent on similar expenses in 2022. The substantial rise in confidential spending has attracted scrutiny from lawmakers and the public, prompting inquiries regarding the allocation and utilization of these funds.
The COA’s audit report has sparked discussions in the House of Representatives, with several lawmakers seeking clarification on the increased spending by the OVP. A House panel has initiated a probe into the escalating expenses, examining both travel costs and confidential funds. This scrutiny reflects a broader concern over the transparency and accountability of public spending.
The release of the COA report comes amidst ongoing debates over budget allocations for various government offices. The OVP’s increased expenses are set against this backdrop, and the COA’s findings are likely to influence budgetary discussions and decision-making processes in the coming months.
In response to the COA’s report, Vice President Sara Duterte’s office has not yet issued a public statement addressing the concerns raised by the audit. The OVP’s financial practices are expected to remain under close observation as government officials and the public demand greater accountability.
