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Lawmaker urges VP to address ₱612.5M controversy
A lawmaker calls on Vice President Sara Duterte to address the alleged mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds. The controversy arises amid reports of questionable fund recipients and ongoing legislative investigations into the OVP’s expenditures. Calls for transparency and accountability grow as scrutiny over the funds intensifies.
A Philippine lawmaker has called on Vice President Sara Duterte to publicly address concerns regarding the alleged mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The call for transparency comes amid growing scrutiny over the utilization of these funds and the legitimacy of their recipients.
Allegations of Misuse and Calls for Accountability
The controversy centers on the disbursement of confidential funds by the OVP, with reports indicating that some recipients may not exist. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reportedly found no birth or death records for certain individuals listed as fund recipients, raising questions about potential fraudulent activities within the OVP. One such individual, "Mary Grace Piattos," was identified as a beneficiary, but subsequent verification revealed no official records of her existence.
In response to these findings, legislators are urging Vice President Duterte to provide a comprehensive explanation. They emphasize that the substantial amount involved surpasses the plunder threshold, necessitating a thorough investigation to uphold public trust and ensure accountability.
Investigations and Political Implications
The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the OVP's expenditure of confidential funds. During the budget deliberations, it was revealed that some OVP programs suffered from low utilization, such as the "Magnegosyo Ta Day" program, which only used 0.04 percent of its allocated funds.
Amid these developments, discussions about potential impeachment proceedings have surfaced. However, some political figures have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of securing the necessary votes for conviction in the Senate. PDP-Laban candidate Jayvee Hinlo stated that even with multiple impeachment complaints, achieving a two-thirds majority in the Senate would be challenging.
Public and Official Responses
The OVP has denied allegations that Vice President Duterte was absent from House plenary debates on the 2025 budget due to personal reasons, labeling such reports as attempts to tarnish her reputation.
As investigations continue, the public and various stakeholders await Vice President Duterte's response to these serious allegations. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly those designated for confidential purposes.
The unfolding events highlight the need for stringent oversight mechanisms to prevent potential misuse of government resources and to maintain public confidence in governmental institutions.
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