The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte is preparing to contest the Commission on Audit’s final ruling disallowing its use of confidential funds worth over P72 million in late 2022.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) of the Philippines, led by Vice President Sara Duterte, announced readiness to respond to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) reaffirmed decision disallowing a P72-million disbursement of confidential funds made in December 2022. The COA issued a final Notice of Disallowance against the OVP regarding the funds spent between December 22 and December 31, 2022.
The OVP stated it has yet to receive the COA’s resolution on its Motion for Reconsideration but had anticipated such an outcome and is prepared to proceed through legal and institutional channels.
According to COA, the transaction involving the confidential funds was irregular and did not meet the agency’s standards, labeling it a “farce” lacking substantive documentation for the expenditure. The COA’s resolution detailed that Vice President Sara Duterte approved the transactions, with designated officials authorizing and certifying the release and use of the cash advances.
The Commission emphasized that responsibility to refund the disallowed expenses rests not only with those who authorized and certified the payments but also those who received them. This disallowance follows previous COA actions beginning August 2024, when the auditors first flagged concerns over the confidential fund usage.
Confidential funds are government funds allocated for sensitive operations and require strict compliance and evidence for use. The COA’s final disallowance signifies the funds were spent without proper justification or documentation.
This development highlights ongoing scrutiny over government spending and the accountability of the Office of the Vice President under Sara Duterte’s leadership. The OVP’s planned response will unfold as the official resolution becomes available.
The case remains a significant financial and administrative matter within Philippine governance, with implications for transparency and fiscal responsibility in high offices.
Country: Philippines
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1005124/ovp-ready-to-respond-to-coa-disallowance-with-finality-of-confidential-funds/story/
