MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio had the sole discretion to determine the amount of confidential funds her office would request from the government, an Office of the Vice President (OVP) official testified Tuesday, as prosecutors questioned why the P125-million request in 2022 came without calculations or supporting documents.
OVP Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio told the Senate impeachment court that the amount sought from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was left to Duterte-Carpio’s discretion.
“The determination for the amount is in the discretion of the Vice President,” Ortonio testified during the 18th day of Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial.
His testimony came as House prosecution lawyer Mae Divinagracia scrutinized an Aug. 22, 2022 letter in which the OVP requested P125 million in confidential funds from the DBM.
Prosecutors highlighted that, unlike other OVP funding requests, the confidential fund proposal did not contain detailed calculations, financial projections or supporting documents showing how the P125-million amount was determined.
Divinagracia pointed out that the OVP had submitted documentation to support other requests, including additional funding for financial assistance, special duty allowances, and 192 contractual and coterminous positions.
Asked whether similar supporting documents accompanied the confidential fund request, Ortonio confirmed there were none.
“There were no attachments,” Ortonio said.
The OVP’s letter instead justified the request by citing the need to ensure the “safe implementation” of projects and activities under its good governance program, as well as the office’s official engagements and representation in local and international events.
Ortonio testified after Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero declared him a hostile witness, allowing House prosecutors to ask leading questions during his direct examination.
The testimony forms part of the House prosecution’s presentation of evidence against Duterte-Carpio, whose impeachment case includes allegations involving the handling and use of confidential funds./PN
