Lawmaker Questions VP Duterte's P2 Million Payment from Company

MANILA — A sitting public prosecutor and congressional representative has challenged the legitimacy of Vice President Sara Duterte's financial dealings with GenCorp Industries Inc., citing the substantial sum received over a four-year period despite her apparent lack of shareholdings or formal ties to the firm.

Rep. Joel Chua questioned whether the P2 million-plus in payments categorized as "return of capital" could mask something more problematic. The characterization of such funds is typically reserved for distributions to registered shareholders, raising transparency concerns given the Vice President's reported absence from the company's ownership structure.

The matter has drawn scrutiny from government officials tasked with investigating potential financial improprieties. The receipt of corporate payments under such circumstances, without clear justification or documented business interest, has prompted calls for clarification on how the transaction was structured and authorized.

The Vice President's office has not immediately responded to queries regarding the nature and purpose of the payments. The inquiry adds to ongoing questions about financial disclosures and corporate relationships maintained by senior government officials in the Philippines.