OVP spent over P375M in confidential funds in 2023聽鈥� COA
Vice President Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) spent over P375 million in confidential funds (CFs) in 2023, almost triple the amount recorded the year before, the Commission on Audit (COA) reported.
Based on the 2023 audit report released this month, the OVP spent P375,483,600 in CF, much higher than the P125,483,600 spent in 2022.
READ: Quimbo: OVP’s P125M secret fund in 2022 spent in just 11 days
COA defines confidential expenses as funds for “the safe implementation of various projects and activities under the Good Governance Program/Socio-economic Program Delivery, and the conduct of official engagements, and functional representation in international and domestic events as instructed by the President.”
The CF is listed under the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) or expenses for supplies and materials, transportation and travel, utilities (water and electricity), and repairs, among other things.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, the total amount spent under the MOOE in 2023 stood at P1.98 billion, over two times higher than the total amount of over P724 million.
The House of Representatives committee on good government and public accountability is currently probing the office of Vice President Sara Duterte for its alleged misuse of its CFs in 2022.
Last September, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo confirmed that the P125 million CF of the OVP in 2022 was spent in just 11 days, quicker than the initial reports of 19 days.
