In a bold move on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, House leaders issued stark warnings to Vice President Sara Duterte regarding potential violations of the Constitution and potential criminal liability for graft related to her office’s confidential fund expenditures.
The confrontation emerged after the Office of the Vice President (OVP), led by Duterte, refused to participate in a second round of House budget deliberations. This refusal followed Duterte’s accusations against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and appropriations committee chairperson Zaldy Co, alleging they tampered with the Department of Education’s budget during her tenure as its head.
House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe highlighted Duterte’s failure to explain her expenditure of ₱125 million in confidential funds in 2022, with the Commission on Audit disallowing ₱73 million due to alleged irregularities. Dalipe warned that if these discrepancies remain unresolved, Duterte could face criminal liability for graft.
Budget panel chair Zaldy Co added fuel to the fire, comparing Duterte’s rapid disbursement of secret funds in 2022 to the notorious pork barrel scam during the Aquino administration. Co harshly criticized Duterte, questioning her commitment to budget hearings and accusing her of reckless spending and corruption.
State auditors also noted that the OVP has not yet contested the notice of disallowance issued against it, but Duterte has until February to respond. Meanwhile, Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante suggested that Duterte’s actions might be unconstitutional, emphasizing the collegial nature of the body’s mandate to scrutinize the budget.
The allegations against Duterte come amidst a volatile political climate, with impeachment threats looming over the Vice President. In a prior House appearance on August 27, Duterte accused lawmakers of plotting her impeachment, claiming to have recordings as evidence. While lawmakers have denied any organized effort to remove her, the charges of graft and corruption related to her office’s confidential funds resonate with ongoing concerns.
ACT Teachers Representative France Castro emphasized that Duterte’s alleged mismanagement of funds and refusal to provide explanations could be grounds for impeachment. The House’s scrutiny of Duterte intensified following her resignation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, despite their prior alliance in the 2022 elections.
The House’s latest accusations mark a significant escalation in the scrutiny of Vice President Sara Duterte’s conduct, highlighting potential constitutional breaches and extensive corruption. With criminal liability for graft on the table, the political ramifications may be profound, further complicating Duterte’s tenure and future prospects.
Source: Rappler