Filtered by: Topstories

Plunder and graft complaints were filed Friday against Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 other officials of the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President over the alleged misuse of P612.5-million confidential funds.

Aside from plunder and graft, the complaints also alleged malversation and other related complaints against Duterte over her supposed misuse of confidential funds from 2022 to 2023.

They said that despite lengthy and repeated congressional inquiries, the Vice President has refused to explain where her offices spend such amounts of public funds, a stance which they said betrays the people’s trust.

“In the light of the many calls of the Filipino people for accountability, we should not forget the numerous instances that the second highest officer of the country has skirted away questions and investigations over anomalous use of confidential funds. In the instance of being questioned by the representatives of the people in Congress, the Vice President, Sara Duterte, has blatantly refused her responsibility to answer to the people. She has continuously undermined the very essence of what public service is all about. Her indiscriminate misuse of public funds without fear of accountability is outright criminal and a perfect example of the betrayal of public trust,” one complainant stated.

“Today, we call upon the institution of the Ombudsman to put an end to this mockery of the system of checks and balances as enshrined in our Constitution. We fervently hope that our charges of plunder, conversation, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and gross violation of the Constitution be upheld against Vice President Sara Duterte, and she, at least, be called upon to account one on hundreds of millions of confidential funds that she plundered. And if she fails to do so, she should no less than be found criminally liable for it,” the complainant added.

Also named respondents in the complaints were the Vice President’s Chief-of-Staff, OVP assistant chief of staff, Director of the OVP Administrative and Financial Services Office, Chief Accountant, OVP Special Disbursing Officer, former commander of the AFP Security and Protection Group (ASPG), former DepEd spokesperson, OVP Strategy Management Office Director, former Education Undersecretaries, DepEd chief accountant, DepEd Special Disbursement Officer, a retired Major General, and a Lieutenant Colonel.

‘Fictitious’ names

In a statement, the complainants said the Vice President designed and directed parallel schemes in the OVP and DepEd to divert and conceal P612.5 million in confidential funds through irregular transactions, unsupported disbursement vouchers, and certifications signed without review.

“Entire cash advances were allegedly handed to unauthorized AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) officers personally designated by Duterte, while liquidation was completed using fabricated acknowledgment receipts bearing fictitious names such as ‘Mary Grace Piattos,’ ‘Nova,’ and ‘Oishi.’ The filing argues that these acts reflect deliberate evasion of oversight and systematic abuse of authority, constituting serious violations of the constitutional mandate that public office is a public trust,” they said.

Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds during her vice presidency was among the bases of the impeachment case filed by the House of Representatives against the Vice President.

The impeachment case, however, was dismissed last July 25 for violating the one-year bar rule, or one impeachment complaint filed against an impeachable official per year, and for violating the Vice President’s right to due process.

The House has since appealed the dismissal, saying it should be allowed to perform its exclusive duty to prosecute an impeachable official, and the Senate’s to try the case.

Must be probed

Meanwhile, Malacañang said the plunder and graft complaints against Duterte must be investigated properly.

A Palace Press Officer was asked for reaction on the complaints lodged against the Vice President and 15 other officials regarding the alleged misuse of the confidential funds.

“Again, if they have basis against the Vice President, that depends on the complainants,” the officer said in a briefing.

“Whatever was stated in the complaint, if they attached the pieces of evidence, it would be better if this will be investigated properly,” she added.

Seeking accountability

With the Office of the Solicitor General (

Department of Education

The United States Department of Education is a cabinet-level federal agency established in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, though its origins trace back to an office created in 1867. Its primary mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education by establishing policy, administering federal financial aid, and collecting data on America’s schools. It does not directly control local schools or curricula, but works to enforce federal educational laws and provide national leadership.

Office of the Vice President

The Office of the Vice President of the United States is the executive branch entity supporting the Vice President in their constitutional roles as President of the Senate and first in the presidential line of succession. The office’s modern form and influence have evolved significantly, particularly since the mid-20th century, with vice presidents taking on increasingly substantive advisory and diplomatic duties. Its history reflects the growing complexity of the executive branch and the expanding responsibilities of the vice presidency beyond its original, limited constitutional design.

Congress

“Congress” most commonly refers to the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Established by the Constitution in 1789, it is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws. Its history is central to the development of American democracy, from its first meeting in New York City to its permanent home in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Ombudsman

An ombudsman is not a physical place or cultural site, but an official role or institution. Originating in Sweden in the early 19th century, an ombudsman is an independent public official who investigates complaints from citizens against government agencies or organizations, ensuring fairness and administrative justice. Today, ombudsman offices exist worldwide in both public and private sectors to protect individuals’ rights and promote accountability.

Constitution

“Constitution” most commonly refers to the foundational legal document of a nation, such as the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1788, which established America’s federal government and guaranteed fundamental rights. As a cultural and political concept, it symbolizes the supreme law and principles of a state, with many modern constitutions tracing their origins to revolutionary movements or a nation’s founding.

Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the unified military organization of the Philippines, established on December 21, 1935, as the Philippine Commonwealth Army. It has played a central role in the country’s history, including World War II, various internal conflicts, and national defense. Today, it is composed of the Army, Air Force, Navy (including the Marine Corps), and is responsible for external security and often aids in domestic disaster response and counter-insurgency.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts based on state population, with its primary powers including originating revenue bills and having the sole power to impeach federal officials.

Senate

The Senate is the upper house of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789 as part of the legislative branch. It was designed to provide equal representation for each state, with two senators per state, ensuring a balance of power with the more populous House of Representatives. Historically, it has played a key role in confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and serving as a court for impeachment trials.