P375-M confidential funds na ginamit ng Office of the Vice President, pinababalik ng COA | Saksi

Summary

The House Committee on Justice is set to continue hearings on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, amid a directive from the Commission on Audit to return Php375 million in confidential funds allegedly misused by the Office of the Vice President. The COA flagged violations of rules governing cash advances and insufficient documentation for rewards and purchases. The upcoming hearing will also tackle allegations of unexplained wealth involving multiple government agencies. Meanwhile, Senate preparations for a potential impeachment trial are underway, with senators emphasizing impartiality and awaiting evidence before making judgments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The House Committee on Justice will continue its hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday.
• 😀 The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered Vice President Sara Duterte to return Php375 million in confidential funds used by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2023.
• 😀 The Php375 million was used for three cash advances of Php125 million each, between February 6 and September 30, 2023.
• 😀 COA raised concerns that the cash advances violated a joint circular, as the funds were improperly transferred for use by other people, particularly a former Vice President's security head.
• 😀 There was no supporting documentation submitted for the Php62 million reward paid out, which was related to information gathering and surveillance activities.
• 😀 COA also pointed out issues with the procurement of Php19 million worth of supplies, where only acknowledgment receipts were submitted instead of official sales receipts.
• 😀 The OVP was found to have used two disbursements of Php150,000 each to reverse the expenditure before granting the cash advances, which violated COA guidelines.
• 😀 The misuse of confidential funds appears to be a recurring issue, as similar violations were noted for 2022 and 2023.
• 😀 The impeachment hearing will also address the unexplained wealth of Vice President Sara Duterte, with agencies like the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Money Laundering Council involved in the investigation.
• 😀 Senate President Tito Sotto is preparing for the potential transmission of impeachment articles to the Senate, stressing the need for impartiality and emphasizing that he and other senators will wait for evidence before making a judgment.

Q & A

What is the House Committee on Justice's plan for Wednesday's hearing?

The House Committee on Justice will continue its hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

What action did the Commission on Audit (COA) take regarding the Php375 million confidential funds?

The COA issued a notice of disallowance, ordering Vice President Sara Duterte and three others to return the Php375 million confidential funds used by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

How was the Php375 million confidential fund used?

The Php375 million was used in three cash advances of Php125 million each between February 6, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

What violation did the COA point out regarding the disbursement of the funds?

The COA pointed out that Vice President Duterte's order to release cash advances for confidential expenses violated a joint circular, as the accountability of the cash advances was transferred to another person, which is prohibited.

What issue was raised regarding a Php62 million reward payment?

The COA noted that no supporting documents were submitted to justify the Php62 million reward payment for information gathering and surveillance activities.

What was wrong with the Php19 million spent on supplies and aid?

The OVP submitted only acknowledgement receipts for the Php19 million spent on supplies, medical aid, and food. Official receipts or sales invoices, which are required for validation, were not provided.

What was discovered about two separate disbursements of Php150,000 each?

The COA discovered that two disbursements of Php150,000 each were made to reverse previously spent funds before cash advances were granted, which violated COA rules.

What does the House Committee on Justice think about the pattern of confidential fund misuse?

The House Committee on Justice believes that the misuse of confidential funds follows a similar pattern, as seen in the 2022 confidential funds, suggesting potential mismanagement.

Can the Office of the Vice President appeal the COA's notice of disallowance?

Yes, the Office of the Vice President can still appeal the COA's notice of disallowance for the Php375 million in confidential funds.

What is the focus of the next hearing on Wednesday?

The next hearing will focus on the unexplained wealth of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and other agencies involved.