Lawmakers Push for Accountability on Confidential Funds
Two House representatives have vowed to hold Vice President Sara Duterte accountable for the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The call for responsibility comes despite the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the impeachment complaint against her “unconstitutional.”
Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales emphasized in a joint statement that the Supreme Court’s decision does not resolve the allegations concerning the confidential funds. “The Supreme Court decision does not absolve petitioner Duterte from any of the charges,” a local official noted, citing Ortega. “Any ruling on the charges against her can only be accomplished through another impeachment process, followed by a trial and conviction by the Senate.”
Supreme Court Ruling Focuses on Procedure, Not Accountability
Ortega agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting that the Supreme Court’s decision focused solely on procedural matters, not on the misuse of confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as education secretary.
“The accountability part was not resolved, so we intend to continue asking her to account for those funds and answer for how they have been handled or mishandled,” the representative added. Community leaders noted that this approach underlines the ongoing efforts to seek transparency.
Vice President Not Absolved, Say Officials
Khonghun echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Supreme Court ruling did not clear Vice President Duterte of responsibility. “The people should understand this: The entire 93-page ruling tackled the impeachment process and rules in the House of Representatives. It did not absolve VP Duterte of culpability in the use of P612.5 million received by her offices,” he explained.
He further stressed, “In other words, the Vice President is not yet off the hook on the use of this large amount of taxpayers’ money. We will pursue accountability on her part wherever it takes us.” Community members reported that this clarification aims to counter misinformation spreading on social media.
Combating Disinformation and Looking Ahead
Khonghun also pointed out that false claims circulated online suggesting the high court had cleared Duterte of any wrongdoing. “The Duterte camp’s trolls and disinformation peddlers are busy at work again,” he remarked.
Both lawmakers expressed hope that the Supreme Court might reconsider its decision, which would open the door for an impeachment trial. “If the decision remains, then we will have to discuss after February 6, 2026, how to pursue accountability on the part of VP Sara Duterte for her mishandling of P612.5 million in confidential funds in 2022 and 2023,” Ortega said.
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