Politics · Philippines Bureau
OVP misused confidential funds like petty cash, prosecutors claim
House prosecutors told the Senate impeachment court that testimony from an Office of the Vice President official suggests the agency improperly handled its confidential budget allocations. The assertion came during cross-examination in Vice President Sara Duterte's ongoing impeachment trial.
LSN Philippines ·
The House prosecution panel leveled fresh accusations against the Office of the Vice President on Wednesday, arguing that an aide's courtroom testimony revealed the office treated its confidential funds with insufficient oversight and accountability.
Lemuel Ortonio, assistant chief of staff at the OVP, testified before the Senate impeachment court this week. His statements prompted prosecutors to contend that the office operated its discretionary budget without adequate controls or documentation procedures.
The prosecution panel's characterization of the OVP's financial management comes as lawmakers continue examining how the vice president's office allocated and spent public funds during her tenure. The case centers on allegations of misuse of government resources.
Vice President Duterte faces multiple charges in the impeachment proceedings, which have drawn significant attention amid broader scrutiny of executive branch spending practices in recent months.