Ombudsman urged: Probe VP’s alleged confidential fund misuse

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has been urged to conduct a thorough investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds by her office and the Department of Education during her tenure as DepEd secretary.

Tindig Pilipinas, a coalition of pro-democracy groups and civil society organizations, issued the call in a letter submitted by its members to the Office of the Ombudsman.

In its letter, the coalition urged for the immediate investigation against Duterte, based on the articles of impeachment earlier filed against the Vice President.

Duterte was earlier accused of betraying public trust, and committing graft and corruption, in the misuse and malversation of confidential funds of her office as well as DepEd, among other allegations.

“We cannot allow a culture of impunity to take root, where actions that threaten our democratic stability and public accountability are simply forgotten, or worse, seen as a new, acceptable standard for our leaders,” the letter read.

“To leave these matters unexamined would be to sanction the very behavior that your Office is mandated to prevent,” it added.

According to the coalition, Duterte should explain how the confidential funds were used.

The coalition also cited Duterte’s supposed “admission” of plotting to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

Tindig Pilipinas said Duterte committed culpable violations of the Constitution and/or committed high crimes in contracting an assassin and plotting to assassinate the President and his relatives.

It called for a “comprehensive and impartial” investigation to uphold the rule of law and to “restore public trust.”