DepEd undersec testifies on P112M unspent fund during Duterten's ED sec stint

DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla testified on Monday that the department was unaware of how P112 million in confidential funds were utilized in 2023 during Vice President Sara Duterte's tenure as Education Secretary.

Sevilla clarified that DepEd Finance released three quarters of the fund, totaling P112.5 million, but did not participate in its utilization and liquidation process.

Former Education Secretary Duterte has not responded to inquiries about the disbursement of confidential funds from lawmakers or GMA News Online.

Kabataan party-list lawmaker Raoul Manuel questioned Duterte's use of these funds last week, arguing it was appropriate given Sevilla's confirmation.

DepEd's new leader, Sonny Angara, stated that his department would not request a confidential fund allocation for 2025 and prefers to ask for specific budget needs under line-item provisions.

Senator Risa Hontiveros called on Tuesday for a Senate probe into how DepEd used the controversial funds during Duterte's tenure as Education Secretary.

Hontiveros urged the Senate Select Committee on CIF, Programs, and Activities to investigate the matter and requested an update from COA (Commission on Audit) regarding the use of confidential funds.