Poa: Only Learned of CF Handouts to VP Security During House Probe

MANILA — Former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa disclosed during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial that his knowledge of confidential fund distributions to the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group came only after House of Representatives investigations in October 2024.

Prosecution counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. presented Poa's testimony as part of the proceedings examining the handling and allocation of confidential funds under the Vice President's office. The revelation suggests that awareness of the CF distribution practice may not have been widespread among government officials prior to the legislative inquiry.

Poa's admission addresses questions surrounding the administration and oversight of confidential funds designated for the Office of the Vice President. The practice of allocating such funds to security personnel has become a focal point in ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

The testimony contributes to the broader investigation into how confidential funds were managed and distributed during Duterte's tenure as Vice President, with legislators and prosecutors examining documentation and official accounts of the fund allocations.