HOUSE PANEL ORDERS DETENTION OF 4 OVP OFFICIALS FOR CONTEMPT OVER REPEATED DEFIANCE OF SUMMONS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA – The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday (11 November 2024) cited four officials from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for contempt and ordered their detention after repeatedly defying summonses to attend an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of government funds by Vice President Sara Duterte.

The four officials cited in contempt are OVP Assistant Chief of Staff and Bids and Awards Committee Chair Lemuel Ortonio, Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) Gina Acosta, and former Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda and SDO Edward Fajarda, who transferred to the OVP after Duterte resigned as DepEd secretary in July this year.

During its fifth hearing, the committee, chaired by Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, found the officials in contempt following a motion by Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, who highlighted their “continued defiance” in failing to appear at the inquiry.

The committee had previously issued subpoenas for the officials to attend after multiple invitations were ignored.

Following the contempt citation, committee vice-chair Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop moved for their detention at the House premises until the inquiry concludes and the committee report is submitted for plenary approval.

In contrast, four other OVP officials attended Monday’s hearing, including Administrative and Financial Services Director Rosalynne Sanchez, Chief Accountant Julieta Villadelrey, Budget Division Chief Edelyn Rabago, and Chief Administrative Officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido.

The committee withheld action on OVP Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez, who left the country on Nov. 4, a day before her scheduled appearance. Lopez submitted a letter explaining that she had traveled to the United States to accompany her ailing aunt for intensive medical care, citing her legal designation as a caretaker.

Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez questioned Lopez’s explanation, calling it a “clear evasion” and urging validation of her claim.

“The testimony of Ms. Zuleika Lopez is crucial. If we allow her excuse, other resource persons might follow,” Fernandez warned. “They can run, but they cannot hide anymore.”

Despite concerns, the committee voted to reissue a subpoena to Lopez, citing “humanitarian considerations.” Suarez also expressed a willingness to extend “a little bit more understanding,” adding, “We can accept Atty. Lopez’s letter, but only until our next hearing.”

As for the four OVP officials cited for contempt, Chua dismissed their excuses as “unacceptable.” In letters to the committee, Ortonio, Acosta, and the Fajardas stated they could not attend due to OVP activities in Caraga, Panay Island, and Negros Island, supported by their official travel orders.

Suarez noted that the committee had been patient with the OVP officials.

“Let’s not forget, Mr. Chair, that these are public officials. It is their duty to appear and explain how the funds in question were spent,” he emphasized.

The inquiry focuses on the handling of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and DepEd. Allegations include the misuse of P500 million in confidential funds by the OVP and an additional P112.5 million by DepEd when Duterte was Education Secretary.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged nearly half of the total, disallowing P73 million spent by the OVP within 11 days in the last quarter of 2022.

Despite four previous hearings, key OVP officials have failed to attend, leaving significant questions unanswered regarding the use of confidential funds.

The committee has reviewed documents from COA, the Department of Budget and Management, DepEd, and other agencies, with resource persons providing insights into fund usage. However, Chua noted that serious concerns remain, particularly over the OVP’s use of funds for medical and food aid, with questionable acknowledgment receipts raising further red flags.

Philippine Army members also refuted DepEd’s claim that confidential funds supported Youth Leadership Summits.

The OVP has maintained that its explanations are in the documents submitted to COA. However, Chua argued that the documentation is insufficient, especially when the documents themselves are questioned.

“There are questions that the documents themselves can’t answer. This is why we need the presence of these officers. Sila lang po ang makakasagot sa mga katanungan natin,” Chua stressed.

ia/mnm