Groups urge Ombudsman to probe VP Sara Duterte on confidential fund misuse

A coalition of groups, including Tindig Pilipinas and Akbayan Party, urged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds.

Malacañang stated that the decision on investigating Duterte's use of P625 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) from 2022 to 2023 rests with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Remulla said he would review the letter submitted to his office and explained that impeachable officials could face criminal charges but cannot be removed from office by the Ombudsman.

A House good government and public accountability panel probe revealed that the OVP had liquidated its confidential fund allocation in 2022 to 2023 with questionable liquidation documents, leading the House to recommend filing of cases.

Duterte's camp is reportedly tapping intel experts to explain the issue if a trial proceeds.

Akbayan stated that Duterte's "absurd alibi" is an attempt to "distract the public from her blatant misuse of public funds."

While the Supreme Court ruled in July that the impeachment complaint against Duterte was unconstitutional, it did not absolve the Vice President of the charges filed against her, with a final ruling on the appeal yet to be issued.