Prosecutors accuse VP Duterte of masterminding confidential funds misuse

MANILA — Prosecutors presented evidence on Friday accusing Vice President Sara Duterte of being the principal architect behind the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The prosecution team characterized the alleged scheme as a "confidential funds scam," or "confi scam," suggesting a systematic and deliberate pattern of financial irregularities.

The accusation represents an escalation in an ongoing investigation into how the confidential funds were utilized and distributed. The prosecution team presented its case during House proceedings, laying out allegations that the Vice President had direct knowledge and involvement in directing the misappropriation of the public funds.

The case centers on whether the ₱612.5 million in confidential allocations—monies intended for sensitive government operations—were diverted or spent contrary to their intended purposes. Both the OVP and DepEd have been subject to scrutiny regarding their financial management and accountability procedures.

The allegations form part of a broader inquiry into government expenditures and transparency. The prosecution team's framing of the matter as a deliberate "scam" suggests they view the alleged conduct as intentional rather than administrative error, a characterization that carries significant legal implications should formal charges be pursued.