Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said a recent Commission on Audit ruling upholding the disallowance of ₱73 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) raises questions on how the money was spent.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the decision contradicts earlier claims that the funds were properly and transparently used.
“Pinapasinungalingan po ito ng COA sa very recent decision nila denying the appeal,” Castro said in a briefing in Iloilo.
[Translation: This is contradicted by the COA in its very recent decision denying the appeal.]
Castro said the ruling challenges assertions tied to an “unmodified opinion” previously cited to defend the spending.
“Kung sinasabi nilang transparent at maayos ang paggamit ng pondo, ito po ay pinapasinungalingan ng COA,” she added.
[Translation: If they are saying the funds were used transparently and properly, this is contradicted by the COA.]
The Commission on Audit earlier affirmed the notice of disallowance covering ₱73 million in confidential funds used by the Office of the Vice President in 2022, effectively denying the appeal filed over the audit findings.
Castro said the ruling underscores the need for accountability in the use of public funds.
“Ang nais ng pangulo ay malinis ang gobyerno kung sino ang may sala ay dapat managot,” she said.
[Translation: The president wants a clean government; whoever is at fault must be held accountable.]
The palace declined to directly link the ruling to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte but said oversight institutions must act on any flagged irregularities.
“Dapat mabilis kumilos ang COA pati ang AMLC [Anti-Money Laundering Council],” Castro said.
[Translation: COA must act quickly as well as the AMLC.]
The OVP has yet to issue a statement on Castro’s remarks.
