‘VP’s misuse of confidential funds impeachable’

August 31, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — For Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro, Vice President Sara Duterte had committed an “impeachable offense” for misusing the P125-million confidential funds given to her in 2022.

Castro, a known critic of Duterte in the House of Representatives, said the Vice President was given several opportunities to explain
 how the confidential funds were utilized during the chamber’s hearing on the Office of the Vice President (OVP)’s budget for next year.

However, Duterte opted not to answer questions not related to her office’s proposed budget for 2025.

“Her stonewalling on legitimate questions from members of the House regarding her use of public funds showed utter disrespect for the basic principles of check-and-balance, transparency and accountability of public officials entrusted with the people’s money,” she said.

Castro noted Duterte should have “accountability” as she spent people’s money.

“Her misuse of confidential funds is an impeachable offense… In misusing the confidential funds in times when funds for public services are lacking, she remained silent in explaining her use of the said funds,” she added.

Castro, however, fell short of saying if she would initiate the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte.

During the hearing, the lawmaker revealed that the Commission on Audit had issued a Notice of Disallowance demanding the return of P73 million out of the P125 million spent by the Vice President’s office within a mere 11 days in December 2022.

Castro said COA disallowed three types of rewards, namely cash, goods and medicines because Duterte failed to show proof of the success of the surveillance operations that would merit such payment.

“Similarly, the purchase of furniture and office equipment was disallowed because of Duterte’s failure to show that these were intended for the surveillance operations that were undertaken,” she added.

She underscored COA’s finding indicates that these purchases did not comply with Joint Circular 2015-01.

“The special provision on confidential funds in the General Appropriations Act specifically mandates compliance with that Joint Circular. VP Duterte broke the law. The COA’s findings reveal a glaring misuse of public funds,” she said.

Castro added it is “becoming apparent that Duterte was banking on the supposed veil of secrecy around confidential funds to hide her unlawful use of people’s money.”