By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a media interview on Sunday, Chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua called on sweeping reforms in the allocation and management of confidential funds following its investigation into the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Ang isa po sa mga recommendation namin dyan ay ‘pag ang confidential fund ay nabigyan ng Notice of Disallowance, ito po ay mawawala po ‘yung confidentiality ng nature ng pondo at ito’y pwede nang usisain nang maigi,” Chua pointed out, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability, particularly for funds flagged with irregularities.
“Dapat limitado lang ang mga ahensya o mga departamento na binibigyan ng confidential fund, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga ahensya at departamento na walang kinalaman sa intelligence gathering, sa national security, saka sa peace and order,” he explained further.
The mega panel, commonly known as the House Blue Ribbon Committee, has been investigating allegations of mismanagement of P500 million in OVP confidential funds—allocated at P125 million per quarter—from late 2022 through the first three quarters of 2023, based on findings from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The committee’s investigation revealed major irregularities in the use of confidential funds, including falsified acknowledgment receipts, disbursements to unauthorized individuals, and questionable expenses for safe houses and youth leadership summits; this has raised serious concerns about the lack of safeguards and oversight in the handling of confidential funds.
Chua explained that the committee’s reforms aim to increase accountability by lifting confidentiality protections on funds flagged with Notices of Disallowance, enabling a more thorough review of their utilization.
The legislative measures arising from the investigation will be filed in the House of Representatives this coming week as part of efforts to ensure greater transparency and integrity in the use of confidential funds. (with report from Mela Lesmoras/PTV News)
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