Philippine Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over Alleged Misuse of Confidential Funds

A senior Philippine lawmaker has intensified scrutiny over Vice President Sara Duterte’s handling of confidential funds, alleging a pattern of fabricated recipients and questionable disbursements. House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V revealed a list of peculiar names—dubbed “Team Amoy Asim” (sour-smelling)—among the supposed beneficiaries of P112.5 million in funds allocated to the Department of Education (DepEd) during Duterte’s tenure as its head. The revelations, part of an ongoing congressional review, have raised serious questions about accountability and transparency in the use of public money, as preparations for Duterte’s potential impeachment trial continue.

Ortega disclosed that names such as “Amoy Liu,” “Fernan Amuy,” and “Joug de Asim” appeared on acknowledgment receipts for payments related to rewards, information purchases, goods, medicine, food, vehicle rentals, and even a safe house. A cross-check with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) found no birth, marriage, or death records for these individuals, casting doubt on their existence. “If the fake names already appear sour on the list, what more in an actual transaction?” Ortega remarked, speaking in Filipino during a press conference on Sunday.

The lawmaker’s findings are part of a broader investigation into P612.5 million in confidential funds managed by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd. The probe has unearthed a growing list of suspicious names, with Ortega noting that 1,332 of 1,992 alleged OVP fund recipients and 405 of 677 listed DepEd beneficiaries also lacked PSA records. “What kind of payroll is this? All the names seem to have been made up. Something like this is impossible if we’re following the right procedure” he added.

Pattern of Suspicious Names

The list of alleged beneficiaries includes an array of bizarre and seemingly fabricated identities. Among those linked to DepEd funds are “Andong Mio,” “Erwin Q. Ewan,” and “Ellaine Aray,” alongside others like “Mutya Palanca” and “Dandu Dondie Silud.” For the OVP’s P500 million in confidential funds, names such as “Mary Grace Piattos,” “Renan Piatos,” “Jay Kamote,” and various iterations of “Dodong”—including “Dodong S. Barok” and “Dodong Alcala”—have surfaced, none of whom appear in public records.

Ortega suggested that the consistent use of odd and unverifiable names points to a deliberate attempt to obscure the true recipients of the funds. “This isn’t just simple negligence. The names on the liquidation are fake. Where’s their accountability?” he questioned, speaking in Filipino. The lawmaker’s comments underscore a deepening concern within the House of Representatives, particularly among members of the committee on good government and public accountability, which is spearheading the review of evidence ahead of a possible impeachment trial for Duterte.

Confidential funds, often allocated for sensitive operations such as intelligence gathering or security measures, are subject to strict auditing by the Commission on Audit (COA) in the Philippines. The submission of allegedly fictitious names to justify expenditures has fueled accusations of misuse, with critics arguing that the funds may have been diverted for personal or political gain—though no definitive evidence has yet confirmed such claims.

Political Context and Implications

Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. As Vice President and former DepEd secretary, she has overseen significant budgets, including confidential funds intended for discreet government operations. However, her administration of these resources has come under intense scrutiny, especially as political tensions mount ahead of the 2028 national elections. The allegations of mismanagement could further strain her relationship with allies in Congress and damage her public image at a critical juncture.

The ongoing investigation is not the first time Duterte has faced criticism over financial transparency. Previous reports have highlighted discrepancies in fund allocations under her watch, though she has consistently denied wrongdoing. The current revelations, however, appear to be more damning, given the scale of the alleged fabrications and the involvement of both the OVP and DepEd. If the House committee’s findings are substantiated, they could provide grounds for impeachment, a process that would require a majority vote in the House before proceeding to a Senate trial.

Political analysts suggest that the timing of Ortega’s disclosures may also reflect broader power struggles within the Philippine government. Duterte’s alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been tested in recent months, with disagreements over policy and political strategy coming to the fore. Some observers speculate that the push to investigate her finances could be part of an effort to weaken her influence within the administration, though such theories remain unconfirmed. “The confidential funds issue is a lightning rod for deeper political divisions. It’s not just about accountability—it’s about who controls the narrative heading into the next election cycle” noted Maria Santos, a political commentator based in Manila.

Public Reaction and Calls for Reform

The allegations have sparked outrage among civil society groups and ordinary Filipinos, many of whom have taken to social media to express frustration over the apparent misuse of taxpayer money. Posts on X have highlighted the absurdity of names like “Mary Grace Piattos”—a reference to a popular snack brand—and “Jay Kamote” (sweet potato), with users questioning how such obvious fabrications could have gone unnoticed by auditors. “If this isn’t corruption, what is? Our money deserves better” wrote one user, echoing a sentiment shared by many.

Advocacy groups such as Transparency International Philippines have called for an independent probe into the confidential funds, urging the COA to release detailed audit reports. “The public has a right to know how these funds were spent. Without transparency, trust in government institutions erodes” said a spokesperson for the organisation. Others have renewed demands for stricter guidelines on the allocation and monitoring of confidential funds, arguing that the current system is ripe for abuse.

Ortega, for his part, has vowed to continue the investigation, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged irregularities. “We owe it to the Filipino people to get to the bottom of this. Public funds are not a personal piggy bank” he stated. His remarks have resonated with a public increasingly weary of scandals involving government officials, though some remain sceptical about whether the probe will lead to meaningful consequences for those involved.

Broader Challenges in Governance

The controversy over Duterte’s confidential funds is emblematic of broader challenges facing the Philippine government in ensuring accountability and curbing corruption. Despite efforts to strengthen oversight mechanisms, reports of mismanagement and misuse of public resources remain a persistent issue. The country has struggled to improve its ranking on global corruption indices, with Transparency International placing it 115th out of 180 countries in its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Critics argue that the lack of robust checks and balances, particularly for discretionary funds like those allocated to the OVP and DepEd, creates opportunities for abuse. “Confidential funds are necessary for certain operations, but without clear guidelines and strict auditing, they become a black hole for public money” said Ana Reyes, a governance expert at the University of the Philippines. Proposals to reform the system include mandating public disclosure of fund recipients—albeit with safeguards for sensitive operations—and imposing harsher penalties for falsification of records.

The current scandal also raises questions about the role of political dynasties in Philippine governance. The Duterte family has long been a dominant force in the country’s politics, with Sara Duterte following in her father’s footsteps as a powerful figure in both local and national spheres. While her supporters argue that she has been unfairly targeted by political opponents, detractors contend that her family’s influence has shielded her from accountability. This debate is likely to intensify as the impeachment process unfolds.

Looking Ahead

As the House of Representatives continues its review of evidence, the spotlight remains firmly on Sara Duterte and her stewardship of public funds. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications, not only for her political career but also for public trust in government institutions. With bizarre names and missing records dominating headlines, Filipinos are left wondering whether justice will be served—or whether this will become yet another chapter in the country’s long history of political scandals.

For now, the questions outnumber the answers. How did such obvious discrepancies escape scrutiny for so long? Who, if anyone, benefited from the alleged misuse of funds? And what steps will be taken to prevent similar issues in the future? As the nation watches, the stakes for transparency and accountability have rarely been higher.