VP Duterte's confidential fund receipts issued simultaneously across 300 sites

MANILA — Lawmakers are raising concerns over the handling of Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential fund after evidence emerged that acknowledgement receipts were issued simultaneously across 300 locations nationwide on single dates.

Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong disclosed the findings on Sunday, noting that the same-day issuance of receipts across such a wide geographic spread suggests potential irregularities in the fund's documentation and disbursement procedures.

The discovery adds to ongoing scrutiny of Duterte's use of the confidential fund, a discretionary budget allocation typically reserved for sensitive government operations. The simultaneous receipt issuance across multiple sites raises questions about whether proper protocols were followed in tracking and documenting expenditures.

Confidential funds have long been a contentious issue in Philippine government, with lawmakers and transparency advocates pushing for greater accountability in how such allocations are spent. The current controversy underscores recurring calls for stricter oversight mechanisms governing discretionary spending by high-ranking officials.

The matter is expected to draw further legislative attention as lawmakers continue investigating the fund's utilization.