PSA: 400+ OVP, DepEd Fund Recipients Lack Birth Records

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosed that over 400 individuals listed as recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Vice President Sara Duterte lack birth records. Additionally, the PSA identified around 200 recipients with duplicate names in their system.

House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairman Rep. Joel Chua shared these findings during a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview, highlighting discrepancies among the 677 names submitted for verification.

“Kahapon lumabas na rin ‘yung findings ng PSA pagdating sa 677 na isinumite naming pangalan. Out of 677 na isinumite namin, more than 400 ang lumalabas na walang lumalabas na birth record. More than 200 naman ang lumalabas na maraming kapangalan,” Chua stated.

The discrepancies emerged after Chua asked PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa to authenticate the birth, marriage, and death records of individuals listed in acknowledgment receipts (ARs) provided by the OVP. Among those flagged were “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Kokoy Villamin,” whose names had no corresponding PSA records.

Vice President Duterte dismissed allegations of corruption and fund misuse, claiming the ongoing House investigation is politically motivated. However, Chua noted that the probe into the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds is nearing completion. The findings may also be pivotal in a potential impeachment process, though time constraints and the upcoming election season pose challenges.

The panel is also drafting two legislative measures as a result of its investigation. One bill seeks to regulate the roles of special disbursing officers and impose penalties for fund misappropriation. Another aims to limit confidential funds to agencies directly involved in intelligence gathering, national security, and peace and order operations.

Chua acknowledged that other DepEd-related issues might warrant further hearings, as the panel aims to address lingering concerns about the department’s use of public funds.

“May mga issue pa sila na gustong tingnan lalung lalo na sa pondo ng DepEd,” Chua remarked.

The time-sensitive nature of the investigation, compounded by the busy schedules of lawmakers during the holiday season and the upcoming election period, raises questions about the feasibility of pursuing impeachment proceedings against Duterte.