PRESS CONFERENCE (DECEMBER 9, 2024)

Summary

This transcript covers a press conference discussing an ongoing investigation by the Philippine House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. It delves into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte and her subordinates, with potential legal liabilities including bribery, malversation, and plunder. Committee members raise questions about missing records, fund mismanagement, and possible violations. The committee also addresses the importance of legislation in response to these issues and the expected timeline for releasing a partial report. While the investigation continues, some questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the Vice President's involvement in the controversy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The committee is investigating the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte, focusing on potential violations related to public funds.
• 😀 The investigation involves a cross-checking process with various government agencies such as DepEd, PSA, and OVP to validate names and records of personnel involved.
• 😀 One key figure under scrutiny is Kokoy Villamin, whose records are listed under both DepEd and OVP, raising concerns about discrepancies in official documentation.
• 😀 The total amount of funds under scrutiny is substantial, including figures such as 600 million pesos in total across DepEd and OVP, highlighting the magnitude of the financial review.
• 😀 The committee members discussed different legal violations such as malversation, bribery, and plunder, with a focus on determining which charges, if any, should be filed against those involved.
• 😀 While a partial report is in progress, the final committee report is still under discussion, with several committee members wanting to investigate additional issues like computerization in DepEd.
• 😀 There are differences in the approach among committee members, with each having specific interests, particularly in relation to the use of confidential funds and potential discrepancies in spending.
• 😀 The committee's hearings are public and televised, ensuring transparency and public awareness, but the final decisions on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte lie with the Committee on Justice.
• 😀 Some committee members are pushing to expand the scope of the investigation beyond confidential funds to include other financial irregularities like the misuse of computerization funds in DepEd.
• 😀 The likelihood of criminal charges being filed depends on the findings of the committee, but it is expected that they will propose further investigation by appropriate government agencies, as the committee's role is to aid legislation, not enforce the law directly.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the ongoing investigation discussed in the transcript?

The investigation is primarily focused on the use of confidential funds allocated to the Vice President’s office (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), including concerns about potential financial mismanagement, bribery, malversation, and other irregularities.

What potential violations are being investigated by the committee?

The committee is investigating potential violations including bribery, malversation, plunder, and improper use of confidential funds within the Vice President’s office and DepEd.

How are the findings of the committee being presented?

The committee has planned to release a partial summary report that highlights the violations and irregularities identified in the investigation. A final report is still being developed and will be presented once all hearings are concluded.

What role does the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte play in the investigation?

The impeachment case is intertwined with the investigation, as the misuse of confidential funds is one of the allegations in the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. The committee’s findings may contribute to the impeachment process, though the investigation itself is focused on legislation and accountability.

How does the committee plan to handle the potential legal consequences of their findings?

The committee is not responsible for filing criminal charges but may recommend further investigation by the appropriate agencies. The findings could potentially lead to criminal investigations or charges, particularly regarding the misuse of funds.

How many names are under investigation in the context of the OVP and DepEd?

The OVP has around 2,000 names under investigation, with a larger budget involved, while DepEd has additional names being verified, but the exact total number remains under review.

What is the significance of the confidential funds in this investigation?

The confidential funds are a central part of the investigation, as they are alleged to have been misused. The committee members emphasize that it’s not the funds themselves that are problematic, but how they were spent that raises concerns.

Why was Vice President Sara Duterte not questioned during the last hearing?

Vice President Sara Duterte was present at the hearing but was not questioned due to a shift in focus. An emergency situation involving other officials delayed the questioning, and by the time attention turned to her, the time for questioning had passed.

What impact does this investigation have on future legislation?

The investigation is being conducted 'in aid of legislation,' meaning that it is intended to inform lawmakers on potential reforms or new laws regarding the handling of confidential funds and financial accountability in government offices.

What is the likelihood of criminal charges being filed against Vice President Sara Duterte or her staff?

While the committee cannot guarantee criminal charges, there is a possibility that charges could be recommended based on the investigation’s findings. The committee’s role is to gather information and propose recommendations to the relevant authorities, who would decide whether to pursue criminal investigations.