COA Firmly Upholds P73-M Disallowance of OVP Confidential Funds
The Commission on Audit (COA) has officially affirmed the notice of disallowance concerning P73 million in confidential funds utilized by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) back in December 2022. This decisive action follows the OVP's alleged failure to submit adequate documentation to substantiate the expenditure of these funds.
Implications for the National Treasury
During a hearing conducted by the House Committee on Justice, which is addressing impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, COA representatives confirmed that this disallowance mandates the return of the P73 million to the national treasury. According to COA, the OVP did not successfully demonstrate that the spent funds were allocated for legitimate confidential activities. Such activities typically include intelligence gathering and payments to informants, which require corresponding documentation as per existing regulations and policies.
Additional Disallowances and Ongoing Investigations
Beyond the P73 million, COA also disclosed that a separate P375 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP for the year 2023 is covered by additional notices of disallowance. The office is currently awaiting a formal explanation regarding this substantial amount. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has reported suspicious similarities in signatures on several receipts submitted as proof of expenditure.
A forensic examination revealed that signatures under different names on various documents may have been executed by a single individual. Out of 36 receipts analyzed, it is estimated that only seven individuals actually wrote or signed them. Furthermore, verification by the Philippine Statistics Authority uncovered that over 1,000 names on the list of alleged fund recipients have no records of birth, marriage, or death. Notably, this list includes the name "Mary Grace Piattos."
Potential Appeals and Congressional Scrutiny
Although COA's decision is final, the OVP retains the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. The issue continues to be a focal point in hearings within the Lower House of Congress, where discussions and investigations are ongoing. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly those designated for confidential purposes.
