The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered Vice President Sara Duterte and two officials from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to return P73.287 million in confidential funds that were spent within 11 days in December 2022. The directive comes due to a lack of proper documentation regarding these expenditures.
The COA affirmed the Notice of Disallowance issued on August 8, 2024, regarding the confidential expenses, and rejected motions for a review of the case. The commission emphasized that the release of government funds must be accompanied by sufficient transparency and justifiable budget use.
COA stated, "There can be no sacrifice of these principles, as negligence and mismanagement of public funds have no place in a government striving to maintain public trust," underscoring the importance of responsible fiscal handling.
Vice President Sara has maintained that there was no wrongdoing or misuse of funds within her office. The questioned P73.287 million is part of a larger P612.5 million in confidential funds allegedly improperly used, which is also included in one of the four impeachment articles filed against her.
In response to the COA's disallowance order, VP Sara's camp plans to seek relief from the Supreme Court. According to Attorney Michael Poa, a spokesperson for her defense team, they will file a petition for certiorari regarding the matter. He added that VP Sara is prepared for the court's decision and assured that all legal remedies will be pursued.