Politics · Philippines Bureau
Only Duterte and Lachica knew OVP fund spending, aide claims
An Office of the Vice President official testified that Vice President Sara Duterte and former security chief Col. Raymund Lachica were the only two individuals aware of how the OVP's confidential funds were allocated.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A top aide to Vice President Sara Duterte testified on Wednesday that knowledge of the Office of the Vice President's confidential fund expenditures was restricted to Duterte herself and former security chief Col. Raymund Lachica.
OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio made the assertion during ongoing proceedings related to the OVP's use of public funds. The testimony underscores the limited transparency surrounding the allocation of the confidential budget, a portion of government resources typically used for sensitive operations.
The statement comes amid scrutiny over the OVP's financial management and spending practices. The confidential funds in question have been a focal point of public and legislative attention, with lawmakers seeking clarity on how taxpayer money was disbursed.
Lachica previously served as Duterte's security chief and was positioned within the vice president's office during the period in question. The concentration of knowledge about fund distribution among a small group of officials has raised questions about oversight and accountability mechanisms within the OVP.