By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Amid swirling impeachment rumors in the House of Representatives, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe said Tuesday (September 10, 2024) that Vice President Sara Duterte could be held liable for graft if she fails to justify ₱73.2 million in intelligence expenses disallowed by the Commission on Audit (COA), as well as ₱12.3 billion in “disallowances and suspensions” related to the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2023.

Dalipe urged COA to finalize its report on the questionable disbursements, along with its recommendations.

“More than just allegations of mismanagement, she may be held liable for graft and possible violations of anti-graft laws if she cannot adequately explain and justify the adverse findings. If COA does not accept her explanations, this could escalate,” Dalipe said.

He pointed out that COA has been pressing VP Duterte to return the ₱73.2 million disallowed from her office’s ₱125 million intelligence fund, which was reportedly used up in just 11 days—averaging ₱11.36 million per day.

Additionally, Dalipe noted that COA is requiring Duterte, in her capacity as former DepEd secretary, and other DepEd officials to repay ₱12.3 billion in expenses flagged for doubtful legality and validity.

Duterte served as DepEd secretary from the start of the Marcos administration until her resignation on July 19.

In its audit of the Office of the Vice President’s ₱125-million intelligence fund, COA flagged several irregularities, including late submission of liquidation reports, discrepancies in notarization dates, and failure to submit required accomplishment reports to relevant offices promptly.

Dalipe highlighted that the most pressing issue is the unexplained disallowance, which constitutes more than half of the confidential funds used by the OVP in 2022.

“This raises serious concerns about how these funds were used. The fact that ₱73 million was flagged demands answers. If the Vice President’s office cannot clarify or correct these discrepancies, this could lead to more than administrative penalties—it may point to criminal liability for graft,” Dalipe warned.

The grounds for impeachment include culpable violations of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

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