SARA DUTERTE’S CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS CONTROVERSY
Sara Duterte to explain use of confidential funds at ‘proper forum’
Vice President Sara Duterte said on Monday that she will explain the use of her confidential funds “in the proper forum,” in light of recent developments regarding her impeachment case.
In an interview in Davao City, Duterte stated that her team is prepared to address accusations related to the confidential funds. “If there is a case, at the right forum, we will explain,” she said. “We had said when they filed their articles of impeachment that the defense team is ready to answer the accusations of the prosecutors of the House of Representatives.”
She further explained that her team has submitted all necessary documents to the Supreme Court when the impeachment case was brought to the high tribunal. Duterte emphasized that her team provides explanations only at the “right forum and proper venue” and would not respond to accusations made arbitrarily. “It’s not possible to have a moro-moro where they just accuse and they can accuse a person whenever they want,” she added.
The Vice President’s remarks come after the House of Representatives impeached her in February 2025 over the alleged misuse of confidential funds, among other things. However, the Supreme Court later voided the articles of impeachment, citing a policy that only one impeachment complaint can be filed against a single official per year.
Separately, the House’s Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, which conducted an inquiry into the matter, had recommended the filing of a plunder case against Duterte and others. The committee report alleged the misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and the amassing of at least P50 million in public funds.
Last week, the impeachment complaint against Duterte was archived by the Senate after 19 senators voted to do so.
