Politics · Philippines Bureau
House prosecutors anticipate Ombudsman to charge VP Duterte over funds
The House prosecution panel expects the Office of the Ombudsman to file criminal charges against Vice President Sara Duterte regarding alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds. The expectation follows the Ombudsman's announcement that it has begun reviewing evidence in the case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur stated Sunday that prosecutors are confident the Office of the Ombudsman will pursue criminal cases against Vice President Sara Duterte over the purported misuse of confidential funds.
The announcement came after the Ombudsman's office disclosed on Friday that it had commenced an evaluation of the evidence related to the allegations. The development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the vice president's handling of discretionary funds during her tenure.
The case centers on questions raised by lawmakers regarding the allocation and use of confidential and intelligence funds by the Office of the Vice President. Prosecutors have maintained that sufficient evidence exists to support criminal charges, though the Ombudsman's office has been conducting its own independent review of the materials presented.
The timing of any potential charges remains unclear, as the Ombudsman's evaluation process continues. The case has drawn considerable attention amid broader political developments in the Philippines and questions about government fund management and accountability.
Photo: Vice President Sara Duterte (left) receives Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the Office of the Vice President, Mandaluyong City, May 2023. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) / Sarah Friend via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).