Politics · Philippines Bureau
Over half of DepEd confidential fund recipients lack civil records
The Philippine Statistics Authority has identified 398 of 677 alleged Department of Education fund payees with no birth, marriage, or death records on file. The discovery raises fresh questions about the department's handling of confidential expenditures.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – Nearly 59 percent of Department of Education payees whose identities were cross-referenced with government records lack any documented civil status, the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed during Senate impeachment proceedings Monday.
Assistant National Statistician Marizza Grande told the impeachment court that PSA examined 677 individuals listed as recipients of DepEd confidential funds. Of that total, 398 persons were found to have no registered birth, marriage, or death certificates in PSA databases.
The absence of civil records for such a large portion of fund recipients has intensified scrutiny of the education department's confidential expenditure system. Lawmakers have questioned whether proper documentation and verification procedures were followed in disbursing these funds.
The PSA's findings underscore concerns about transparency and accountability in how the DepEd allocates its confidential budget. Officials are expected to face additional questions about the identity verification process and oversight mechanisms governing these payments.
The impeachment court hearing continues as investigators examine the full scope of confidential fund disbursements and the adequacy of recipient documentation requirements.