Prosecutors question VP Duterte's choice of DepEd representative on fund audit

MANILA — Prosecutors in impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte questioned why she selected Michael Poa to answer Commission on Audit inquiries regarding P112.5 million in Department of Education confidential funds when he reportedly had no firsthand knowledge of operations the money was allegedly spent on.

The line of questioning formed part of the House private prosecutor's case as the chamber continues its investigation into the handling of the DepEd's discretionary funds during Duterte's tenure as education secretary.

The selection of Poa to represent the department before the COA raised concerns among prosecutors about the credibility and completeness of responses provided during the audit process. They argued that choosing a representative without direct operational knowledge could impede proper accountability and financial transparency.

The case centers on how P112.5 million in confidential funds were allocated and utilized within the Department of Education. The confidential nature of such funds typically requires heightened scrutiny to ensure they are spent in accordance with government regulations and audit requirements.

The proceedings reflect broader concerns within Congress about the management of discretionary funds by executive officials, particularly those involving sensitive or confidential expenditures that require careful documentation and accountability.