Title: The Ongoing Financial Questions: A Look at the OVP and Confidential Funds
In a recent discussion that stirred emotions and raised eyebrows, House Prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon spoke out on a crucial subject: the financial dealings of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Sara Duterte. On Saturday, he addressed the public’s concerns regarding the Commission on Audit’s (COA) recent unmodified opinion — a statement that, while positive, doesn’t necessarily clear the air about significant issues.
Ridon emphasized that just because auditors labeled the OVP’s financial statements as “well-presented” doesn’t mean everything is above board. “The impression should not be that the OVP has a ‘clean slate,’” he told the audience, reminding everyone that previous orders for the OVP to return a staggering P448 million in confidential funds remain in play.
Moreover, Ridon confirmed that disallowance notices on the use of public funds are not mere footnotes; they still exist and matter. The COA upheld a notice regarding P73 million in confidential funds spent from December 21 to 31, 2022, and issued another disallowance for an additional P375 million disbursed across the first three quarters of 2023.
During a vibrant forum, Ridon expressed hope that the Senate impeachment court would soon issue a subpoena for the financial records of both Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio. “We are highly confident that we will convince the court this coming Monday,” he stated, his voice brimming with determination.
This isn’t just routine paperwork; it’s about uncovering the truth. Ridon fiercely defended the prosecution against claims of conducting a “fishing expedition,” declaring, “The truth is, this is not a fishing expedition when a whale has been found.” He made it clear: we are talking about substantial sums—P6.7 billion in transactions over 20 years, with P4.4 billion flowing into the Duterte-Carpio couple’s bank accounts.
As the conversation unfolded, Ridon insisted on the necessity of establishing a “baseline” to measure Duterte’s assets. The stakes are high, and transparency is essential in navigating through these waters.
This unfolding saga raises numerous questions about accountability and transparency in public office. As the public awaits a response from Duterte’s camp, the desire for clarity and truth echoes louder. Will the Senate court heed the prosecution’s request? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this story is far from over.
