Vice Pres Duterte's office, DepEd officials face plunder charges over P612M fund misuse

Officials from Vice President Sara Duterte's Office (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which she formerly headed, are facing potential plunder charges due to alleged misuse of P612 million worth of confidential funds.

Lawmakers during a House committee hearing on Monday highlighted possible criminal liabilities such as technical malversation for unlawful use of funds and falsification of public documents.

Rep. Romeo Acop noted that Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs) encashed large sums quarterly, with Gina Acosta withdrawing PHP125 million per quarter at the OVP from late 2022 to 2023, while Edward Fajarda withdrew PHP37.5 million for quarters at DepEd.

Lawmakers also cited irregular liquidation reports and backdated acknowledgment receipts as violations of COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2015-001, which mandates strict documentation and accountability.

Other potential crimes mentioned include perjury committed during sworn testimonies and falsification of documents to justify actions, highlighting the seriousness of the misuse of public funds.