A coalition of Catholic priests, civil society leaders, and lawyers filed a third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, alleging anomalies in the disbursement of confidential funds under her leadership of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The 70-page complaint, endorsed by Representatives Gabriel Bordado Jr. and Lex Colada, accused Duterte of violating the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder, and corruption.
The complainants claim Duterte, as the “accountable officer,” oversaw PHP125 million in OVP confidential funds in 2022 and PHP112.5 million in DepEd funds in 2023.
Transactions were reportedly executed under her direct orders, raising suspicions of irregularities.
Testimonies from OVP and DepEd special disbursing officers revealed fabricated acknowledgment receipts, some attributed to non-existent individuals, such as “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Kokoy Villamin.”
Confidential funds were allegedly misused for prohibited purchases, including office equipment, violating Commission on Audit rules. The complaint also accuses Duterte of bribing DepEd officials with cash envelopes to secure their influence.
Representative Bordado emphasized the need to uphold accountability and ensure public trust. “This is a constitutional mechanism, not a partisan attack,” he stated.
The complainants urged Congress to act decisively, stating, “How can Filipinos continue to trust the Vice President with their money when these funds are unaccounted for?”
The House of Representatives will deliberate on the impeachment’s merits.