Trillanes and Civil Society Group File Formal Complaint Against VP Duterte at Ombudsman
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and the civil society organization The Silent Majority have formally lodged a complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte at the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaint, filed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, accuses Duterte of serious offenses including plunder, malversation, and graft. These allegations stem from claims of wasteful spending of billions in public funds during her tenure, which spans from her time as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City to her current roles as Vice President and Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Allegations of Financial Irregularities in Confidential and Intelligence Funds
The complaint focuses heavily on alleged irregularities in the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd. Confidential and intelligence funds are special allocations designated for sensitive government operations, such as information gathering, security, and maintaining peace and order. While these funds are meant to be kept confidential for operational security, they are still part of the public treasury and must be used in a legal and responsible manner.
In 2022, the OVP was granted P125 million in confidential funds, which were reportedly spent within just 11 days. This rapid expenditure has raised significant concerns among critics and watchdog groups.
Red Flags and Questionable Recipients in Fund Disbursements
Investigations into the CIF spending have uncovered several red flags, including suspicious recipient names. For instance, individuals listed as beneficiaries, such as Mary Grace Piattos, Jay Kamote, and Miggy Mango, have no records in the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) database. This lack of documentation has fueled suspicions of fraudulent activities.
Furthermore, the PSA reported that out of 677 names on receipts from DepEd's confidential fund, 405 lacked birth certificates. Similarly, from the OVP, 1,322 out of 1,992 names on receipts were missing birth certificates. These discrepancies highlight potential issues in the accountability and transparency of the fund management processes.
Previous Attempts at Accountability and Current Legal Action
This is not the first time Duterte has faced scrutiny over fund misuse. In 2025, impeachment complaints were filed against her in the House of Representatives, also citing alleged wastage of confidential funds. However, those complaints did not succeed, as they were eventually archived by the Senate, halting further proceedings at that time.
In response to the new complaint, Trillanes emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, "We are calling on the Ombudsman to give swift action to the cases filed against her so that she can be held accountable for her crimes against our nation." As of now, the Office of the Vice President has not issued any comment regarding these latest allegations.
Broader Implications for Governance and Public Trust
The case against Vice President Duterte underscores ongoing concerns about financial management and transparency within Philippine government agencies. It raises critical questions about how confidential funds are monitored and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent misuse. As the Ombudsman reviews the complaint, the outcome could have significant implications for accountability measures and public trust in governmental institutions.
This development adds to a series of controversies surrounding Duterte, who has been a prominent figure in Philippine politics. The allegations, if proven, could impact her political career and influence future policies on fund allocation and oversight.
