kabibe game VP Duterte, OVP execs may face plunder raps for secret fund ‘misuse’
Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop during one of the House hearings in this photo taken on May 17, 2023. (Photo from a video posted on the Facebook page of the House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — Officials allegedly involved in the irregularities committed in spending the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte’s office and the Department of Education (DepEd) under her watch, may face plunder charges, among other complaints.
During the House committee on good government and public accountability, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro bared the offenses reportedly committed by several Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd officials related to the CFs.
Article continues after this advertisementThe panel is probing the alleged misuse of funds of the two offices under Duterte’s helm.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO House panel wraps up VP Duterte probe NEWSINFO No PSA records of 400 names in DepEd secret fund's receipts – solon NEWSINFO VP's claim to being target of assassination is ‘fake’ – lawmakersREAD: OVP exec admits sending out cash to some DepEd officials per VP’s order
“Let me remind the public of what is at stake here: it would constitute graft and corruption if public funds are misused or misappropriated or worse if funds are diverted to personal use or benefit. And given the amount we are talking about here, this is clearly plunder,” Acop said in his opening statement.
Article continues after this advertisementLast November 25 hearing, two OVP officials admitted to releasing millions worth of CFs to security officer Col. Dennis Nolasco and the head of Duterte’s security group Col. Raymund Lachica.
Article continues after this advertisementOVP special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta revealed that she left all the CF to Lachica, who was tasked to manage them.
Article continues after this advertisementSimilarly, former DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda said he released the funds to Nolasco, who was assigned by Duterte to disburse them.
Acosta encashed P125 million per quarter between late 2022 and 2023, while Fajarda encashed P37.5 million per quarter in 2023.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: OVP exec: I left secret funds to security head as per VP Sara’s order
Acop pointed out that the manner of disbursing the funds “directly violated Commission on Audit-Department of Budget and Management Joint Circular No. 2015-01,” which mandates stringent documentation and clear accountability for confidential and intelligence funds.
Likewise, Luistro mentioned plunder but raised other offenses such as perjury and bribery.
“In addition to the offenses which have been raised already by our esteemed colleagues in wish to add perjury can be committed orally or in writing. If it is done orally the perfect example or illustration I believe is misrepresentations during the inquiry in aid of legislation,” she said.
“[A]nd even in all forms of investigation, we place under oath at ang lahat ng pagsisinungaling under oath (lying under oath) we call it perjury again the best illustration of oral perjury are those committed by resource persons appearing in this investigation while making several misrepresentations,” she further explained.
Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints filed by civil society organizations and group Bayan on December 2 and 4, respectively.
The impeachment complaints stemmed from her kill threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two of his family. The vice president specifically said she tasked someone to kill Marcos, his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in case she ended up dead.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Aside from this, Duterte and Lachica are currently facing direct assaultkabibe game, disobedience to the persons in authority, and grave coercion complaints before the Department of Justice.
READ NEXT Hazel Calawod, Carlos Yulo’s coach, shares advice on com... PCG on holiday season heightened alert form Dec. 13 to Jan. 6 EDITORS' PICK House panel wraps up Sara probe Social media users react to streaming platform’s annual wrap, many express disappointment Kalookan bishop, drug war critic is PH 10th cardinal After taking Game 1, UP works to prevent history from repeating itself Siargao island power outage on Day 8; state of calamity pushed Be careful what you wish for MOST READ Comelec: 27 of 66 Senate bets submit social media registration forms Kanlaon Volcano erupts; alert level 3 up Power interruptions in Metro Manila, Calabarzon on Dec 9-14 VP Duterte, OVP execs may face plunder raps for secret fund 'misuse' Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments