NBI Forensic Expert Raises Doubts Over Confidential Fund Receipts for VP Sara
In a significant development during the House justice committee hearing, a forensic document examiner from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has cast doubt on the authenticity of several confidential fund receipts linked to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Vice President Sara Duterte. Carolyn Moldez-Pitoy, the NBI expert, presented findings that suggest multiple receipts may have been written by the same individual, based on handwriting analysis.
Handwriting Similarities Across Different Names
Moldez-Pitoy testified that out of 36 receipts examined, there were instances where documents named different individuals but exhibited striking similarities in handwriting and signatures. For example, receipts under the names "Sheila Dado" and "Sally Rendon" showed comparable writing styles, according to the expert. Another group of receipts, including those for "Jason Bitangcol," "Selsa Arojable," "Samson Samuel," and "Sabel Salazar," displayed identical handwriting characteristics, raising questions about their origins.
Dates and Patterns Under Scrutiny
Further analysis by the NBI indicated that certain dates on the receipts might also have been written by a single person, based on the examination of handwriting patterns. Moldez-Pitoy emphasized that, after reviewing original copies held by the Commission on Audit (COA), there are groups of acknowledgement receipts that could potentially have originated from just one writer. This finding adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Impeachment Hearings Continue
The House Justice Committee is currently conducting hearings related to impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, with the misuse of confidential funds being a key issue under discussion. The next committee hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2026, where further testimony and evidence are expected to be presented. This development underscores the heightened scrutiny on government accountability and financial transparency.
Key Points from the Hearing:
- Forensic analysis revealed handwriting similarities across multiple confidential fund receipts.
- Receipts with different names showed potential single authorship.
- Dates on some receipts may have been written by the same person.
- Impeachment complaints focus on alleged fund misuse, with hearings ongoing.
The testimony from the NBI expert highlights the importance of thorough document examination in ensuring the integrity of government expenditures, as the political and legal processes continue to unfold.
