Politics · Philippines Bureau
Army denies using Duterte office funds for youth summits
A Philippine Army colonel testified Tuesday that no government funds from Vice President Sara Duterte's offices were used to finance military youth leadership programs. The statement came during cross-examination in Duterte's ongoing impeachment trial.
LSN Philippines ·
Colonel Manaros Boransing II categorically denied that any resources from the Vice President's offices — whether from regular budget allocations or confidential funds — were channeled toward youth leadership summits organized by the Philippine Army. Testifying before the impeachment court on Tuesday, Boransing addressed questions raised by prosecution lawyers regarding the financial sources for the military programs. The colonel's testimony directly contradicts allegations that have formed part of the broader case against Duterte, who faces impeachment proceedings in Congress. Boransing's statement represents a significant development in the trial, which has centered on questions about the handling of government funds under Duterte's administration. The Vice President has previously denied impropriety in her office's financial management, and her defense team has presented witness testimony to support her position throughout the proceedings.