Lawmakers probe OVP over 1,322 ghost recipients

A total of 1,322 recipients of P500 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) have no birth records, according to a statement by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Sunday.

At least two lawmakers now see this as systematic fraud after verifying that nearly two-thirds of the individuals listed as recipients lack official records.

The House Committee is currently probing both the OVP and DepEd over alleged misuse of confidential funds and may recommend filing complaints against officials involved in irregularities.

Lawmakers have raised concerns about potential deliberate misrepresentation to cover up improper use of funds, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies.

Despite previous denials from Vice President Sara Duterte regarding misuse of funds, lawmakers argue that her lack of comment on specific receipts indicates an intent to avoid accountability.