Calls for transparency and accountability have surged as the Commission on Audit (COA) faces mounting pressure to investigate Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged P2 billion confidential funds during her tenure as Davao City mayor.
The controversy surfaced after reports revealed a substantial allocation of confidential funds during the time when Vice President Duterte, then Sara Duterte, served as the mayor of Davao City. These funds are typically earmarked for confidential or intelligence activities deemed necessary for the security and governance of the city.
Critics argue that the magnitude of the allocation, which reportedly reached P2 billion, raises questions about how these funds were used and whether they were subjected to proper oversight and auditing procedures. Concerns have also been raised about potential misappropriation or misuse of public funds.
In response to these concerns, various groups, including political watchdogs and concerned citizens, have called on the COA to conduct a thorough investigation into the allocation and utilization of these confidential funds. They emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly when it involves substantial amounts of taxpayer money.
“It is unimaginable for a local public official to spend P2.6 Billion in confidential funds in just six years! Were these funds fully spent to the last centavo each year?” Bayan Muna Chairperson Neri Colmenares expressed.
Former COA Commissioner Heidi Mendoza and retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio emphasized the necessity of auditing confidential funds.
“There is no law prescribing reasonable conditions for non-full public disclosure of disbursements of confidential funds. No law whatsoever!” Carpio stressed.
“I’ve noticed that many LGUs now… They’re also creating confidential funds, intelligence funds. And there are no limitations here. So, we have to craft a law regulating all of these,” he added.
Mendoza also said “Kung kailangan ho talagang tingnan, kung gustong tingnan kung paano nagamit, puwede hong bangga o i-compare ‘yong financial plan sa accomplishment report,”.
Vice President Duterte, who is currently serving in the second-highest office in the land, has not yet commented on the issue. However, her supporters argue that the allocation of confidential funds during her mayoralty was in line with maintaining the security and order of Davao City, a city known for its tough stance on crime and its rapid urban development during her tenure.
The COA, an independent constitutional body responsible for auditing government expenditures, has not made an official statement regarding the calls for an investigation at this time. However, given the growing public interest in the matter, it is likely that they will address the issue in the coming days.
As the controversy unfolds, the demand for clarity and accountability remains a focal point in the discussion. Many await the COA’s response and a potential investigation into the allocation and utilization of the alleged P2 billion confidential funds during Vice President Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor.