Ortega reveals more OVP confidential fund beneficiaries, raises fraud concerns

On Thursday, Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V revealed more names listed as beneficiaries of the Office of the Vice President's confidential funds, including individuals with surnames similar to sitting senators and other public figures.

Ortega mentioned specific beneficiaries such as Beth Revilla, Diane Maple Lapid, Clarisse Hontiveros, Kris Solon, Paul M. Solon, Janice Marie Revilla, John Lapid Jr., Kristine Applegate Estrada, Denise Tanya Escudero, and Cannor Adrian Contis.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that among 1,992 listed recipients, 1,322 had no birth records, suggesting potential fraud in the distribution of confidential funds.

Rep. Joel Chua noted that 405 out of 677 names listed as beneficiaries of DepEd's confidential funds have no birth records, indicating a possible systemic issue.

Vice President Sara Duterte has denied allegations of corruption and fund misuse, stating that the House investigation is part of political persecution.

Ortega emphasized the need for agencies to maintain sealed and verifiable documentation linking aliases to real identities, as required by Joint Circular 2015-01 issued by COA and DBM.