Malacañang Urges Early Response to Allegations
Malacañang officials emphasized that Vice President Sara Duterte should have addressed the allegations of alleged misuse of confidential funds long before the matter escalated to impeachment proceedings. The call for an early response to allegations came amid growing public scrutiny over the reported spending of confidential funds.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted the need for transparency and timely explanations. “She should have done that a long time ago; the issue should have been resolved back then—starting with the COA—when an AOM [Audit Observation Memorandum] was first issued,” Castro remarked during a press briefing. This reflects the expectation that concerns about financial conduct must be clarified promptly to prevent further complications.
Calls for Transparency Over Confidential Fund Usage
Castro pointed out that clear explanations should have been provided before a Notice of Disallowance was issued. She added that if Vice President Duterte and her team had been transparent from the start, the situation would likely not have escalated to impeachment discussions. “But it seems that from the accountant all the way to Atty. Zuleika Lopez, no one really knows how her confidential funds were spent,” she noted, underscoring the confusion surrounding the fund’s actual utilization.
Vice President Duterte’s Stand on Responding in Proper Forum
In response, Vice President Duterte maintained that she will only address the accusations concerning the alleged misuse of confidential funds, including the reported P125 million expenditure within 11 days, in the appropriate forum. Speaking during an interview in Davao City, she said, “If there is a case, we will explain in the proper forum. We already said, when they filed the articles of impeachment, that the defense team is ready to respond to the accusations from the House prosecutors.”
She emphasized adherence to due process, stating, “When the case reached the Supreme Court, we complied with everything it asked for. In the proper forums and venues, we provide the appropriate responses and explanations to the accusations. But it can’t be a staged show or handled just anywhere without due process.” Her remarks reflect a commitment to legal procedures over public spectacle.
Missed Opportunities to Explain Before Impeachment
Before the impeachment complaints were filed, Duterte reportedly declined several chances to clarify her office’s confidential fund usage before the House of Representatives. This included avoiding participation during the 2024 budget deliberations for her office’s proposed 2025 budget. She also skipped a House inquiry into the alleged fund misuse, labeling it “unnecessary” and based on “unsubstantiated allegations.”
Despite previous assurances to address the allegations during the impeachment trial, the Senate eventually archived the case following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the complaint “unconstitutional.” This development left the accusations unresolved, intensifying calls for transparency and accountability.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Accountability and Clarity
Community members and officials alike continue to stress the importance of addressing allegations promptly and clearly. The controversy surrounding confidential fund use remains a focal point in discussions about public trust and governance integrity. The call for an early response to allegations underscores the need for timely accountability to maintain confidence in public officials.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte and related developments, visit Filipinokami.com.
