House panel holds a press briefing on its final probe on OVP, DepEd confidential fund use

Summary

A press conference with Chairman Joel Cha and Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adong addresses ongoing investigations into the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd). The discussion covers the verification of names and financial discrepancies, potential violations, and the legal implications surrounding the use of these funds. Although no final conclusions are drawn, the committee emphasizes the need for further investigation and legislative action. Questions also touch on the possibility of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and the committee's efforts to ensure transparency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The investigation by the House Committee on Good Government focuses on the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
• 😀 Discrepancies were found in official records, including names linked to non-existent entries in government databases, raising suspicions of fraudulent transactions.
• 😀 The amount in question includes over 600 million pesos, with 112.5 million pesos specifically attributed to DepEd’s confidential funds.
• 😀 Multiple lawmakers raised concerns about the possible violation of laws, including bribery, malversation, and plunder, based on the funds' management.
• 😀 Some names listed under the OVP and DepEd funds were found to have multiple namesakes, complicating the verification process and leading to more questions about the accuracy of records.
• 😀 The committee is considering recommendations for other government agencies to continue investigating the potential criminal activities uncovered during the hearings.
• 😀 A partial committee report will be released soon, summarizing the findings and proposed laws based on the investigation’s progress.
• 😀 The committee is careful not to preempt the impeachment process, although there are overlapping allegations related to the Vice President and the confidential funds.
• 😀 While the committee has identified several potential violations, the decision to pursue charges against the Vice President or her subordinates will depend on further legal analysis.
• 😀 The final committee report may include additional issues, such as problems with DepEd’s computerization program, in order to address all potential fund mismanagement within the agency.
• 😀 The committee aims to conclude its investigation and finalize its report by next year, though the timeline may extend depending on ongoing investigations and discussions.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the press conference held by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability?

The main purpose was to clarify questions raised by the media regarding the ongoing investigation into the use of confidential and intelligence funds, especially by the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd).

What issue related to Kokoy Villamin was discussed during the press conference?

It was revealed that Kokoy Villamin's name appeared in both the DepEd and Office of the Vice President (OVP) records, but there were no official PSA records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates for him. The investigation focused on verifying his identity and the discrepancies in the records.

How much money is being questioned in the investigation related to the OVP and DepEd?

The total amount in question is 612.5 million pesos, with 112.5 million pesos specifically related to DepEd.

What challenges were raised regarding the 677 names in the DepEd and OVP records?

There was confusion about the existence of some records. For many names, there were multiple individuals with similar names, making it difficult to verify their identities. This issue was highlighted in the ongoing investigation.

What did Mela from PTV4 ask about the 405 names with no records, and how was it addressed?

Mela inquired about the verification status of the 405 names without records. The committee confirmed that they had not yet computed the total amount but emphasized that the issue was under review, particularly for names with no PSA records.

What was the committee's stance on the potential legal actions against Vice President Sara Duterte?

The committee has not yet finalized any legal actions. While possible violations related to the misuse of funds, including bribery and corruption, have been identified, the committee will further discuss these violations before recommending any actions to appropriate agencies.

Will the partial report from the committee be used in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte?

Yes, the partial report, which summarizes the findings of the hearings, may be used by the House Committee on Justice in their review of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

What is the primary objective of the ongoing investigation into the confidential funds?

The primary objective is to ensure proper use and accountability of confidential funds. While there are concerns about possible criminal acts, the committee's role is to assist legislation by identifying issues and proposing recommendations for improvement.

What did Rosalie Cas from UNTV ask regarding the possibility of questioning Vice President Sara Duterte directly?

Rosalie asked whether Vice President Sara Duterte would be given the chance to clarify the allegations against her, particularly regarding the confidential funds. The committee acknowledged that if necessary, she could be invited to future hearings to answer questions.

How did the committee address concerns about the scope of their investigation?

The committee clarified that their investigation is focused on a range of issues, not just confidential funds. While confidential funds are a key area, other financial discrepancies, such as issues with computerization and unfulfilled deliveries in DepEd, are also being considered.