The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has confirmed the absence of civil registry records for an individual named “Mary Grace Piattos” in its database. This revelation follows a search for her Certificate of Live Birth (COLB), Certificate of Marriage (COM), and Certificate of Death (COD), all of which yielded no results.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PSA noted that a more detailed search could be conducted if additional information, such as the names of her parents or the dates and locations of relevant events, were provided. However, as it stands, the name does not appear in any of the agency’s records.
The issue arose after “Mary Grace Piattos” was identified as a purported recipient of confidential funds from Vice President Sara Duterte’s office. The name appeared on acknowledgment receipts submitted to state auditors in 2022, sparking questions about its authenticity.
Some lawmakers have suggested that the name is fictitious, possibly inspired by a combination of a popular snack brand and a local restaurant. This has led to widespread scrutiny and calls for transparency in the disbursement of confidential funds.
The PSA’s certification, which confirmed the absence of records, has added to the controversy. Critics have expressed concern over the potential misuse of public funds and the lack of due diligence in ensuring accountability for financial transactions involving government offices.
Senators and congressmen have called for further investigation to determine the true identity of “Mary Grace Piattos” or whether the entity exists at all. “This raises serious questions about the integrity of our processes,” one lawmaker stated. “How could someone without verifiable civil registry records become a recipient of government funds?”
In response, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has yet to issue a statement addressing the PSA’s findings or the allegations surrounding the confidential funds. The OVP previously defended the use of such funds, emphasizing their importance for security-related operations, but the emergence of this issue has intensified calls for a deeper audit.
The PSA has reiterated its willingness to conduct a more extensive search if additional details are provided, emphasizing the importance of accurate civil registration records in ensuring transparency and accountability.