MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio denied having received the official Commission on Audit (COA) decision on its 2022 confidential funds even as her office e prepares to contest a separate P375-million disallowance for 2023 flagged by state auditors over alleged irregularities.
In a statement sent to Panay News, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said the absence of the formal document has prevented it from issuing a definitive response on the 2022 audit findings, despite the matter being cited during a House of Representatives hearing on April 14.
“Accordingly, we are unable to comment on the matter at this time,” the OVP said.
The office, however, confirmed it has received a Notice of Disallowance covering its 2023 confidential funds and will challenge the ruling through established procedures.
“We will pursue the appropriate remedies in accordance with COA rules,” it added.
The COA earlier flagged P375 million in confidential expenses for 2023, citing alleged violations of guidelines governing the use of such funds.
Among the issues raised were the reported release of funds to the head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, which auditors said was inconsistent with existing rules.
State auditors also cited deficiencies in documentation, including millions allocated for informant rewards that lacked proof of successful intelligence operations, as well as significant expenditures supported only by acknowledgment receipts.
Some disbursements were also questioned for allegedly being used as reimbursements prior to the approval of cash advances, a practice prohibited under joint government circulars.
The notice of disallowance names Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and several OVP officials as among those potentially liable.
They have six months to file an appeal before the ruling becomes final./PN
