Duterte had direct control of confidential funds, impeachment team argues

MANILA — The House impeachment team has presented documents it says demonstrate Vice President Sara Duterte's direct involvement in the management of P612.5 million in confidential funds, a key element of the case against her. House impeachment team adviser and spokesperson Ace Barbers told reporters Friday that documentary evidence shows Duterte exercised "direct and overall supervision" of the funds, with her signatures and approvals appearing repeatedly throughout the records.

The confidential funds have become central to the impeachment proceedings initiated against Duterte earlier this year. The House impeachment team is attempting to establish that she had personal control over how the money was allocated and spent, rather than delegating the responsibility to subordinates.

Barbers did not elaborate on the specific nature of the transactions documented in the evidence presented, but indicated the paper trail provides a clear chain of approval linking Duterte to the fund's use. The impeachment trial continues to unfold in Congress, with the case expected to proceed through multiple rounds of questioning and evidence presentation in coming weeks.