Politics · Philippines Bureau
Documents reveal alleged bid to conceal VP Duterte's secret funds misuse
Evidence presented during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial suggests an attempt to obscure the truth regarding the alleged misappropriation of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The documents were admitted as evidence by the defense on Monday.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Documents presented during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday indicate attempts to conceal details surrounding the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, according to impeachment manager Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa.
The documents, which were admitted into evidence by the defense, are expected to form part of the growing body of material scrutinizing the handling of confidential funds during Duterte's tenure as both Vice President and Education Secretary. The admissibility of the records marks a significant development in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the high-ranking official.
The allegation centers on whether funds designated as confidential were used for purposes other than those authorized by law. The P612.5 million in question spans accounts from both the OVP and the Department of Education, covering the period when Duterte held leadership positions in both agencies.
The impeachment trial, which began in December, is examining whether Duterte violated the Constitution and committed culpable violation of the Constitution through her handling of the confidential funds. The case represents one of the most significant political developments in the Philippines in recent years.