COA stands by P73.3-M Sara Duterte’s OVP disallowance

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) has affirmed its notice of disallowance on Sara Duterte-led Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) P73.287 million in confidential expenses. 

During the House of Representatives justice committee hearing on impeachment complaints against Duterte on Tuesday, April 14, COA Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Officer-in-Charge Gloria Camora said the commission had denied Duterte’s appeal.

Camora’s statement is based on the commission’s decision dated April 10 and signed by COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba, Commissioner Mario Lipana, and Commissioner Douglas Mallillin. 

This means that the OVP is required to return the P73.287 million to government coffers. 

COA’s notice of disallowance refers to the OVP’s P69.78-million spending for rewards and P3.5-million spending for the purchase of tables, chairs, desktops, computers, and printers. These expenditures were made from December 21 to 31, 2022. 

A notice of disallowance, based on a COA circular, refers to “illegal, irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditure.”

The committee also issued a subpoena for former senator Antonio Trillanes and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to testify in the next hearing on April 22. Trillanes had claimed that he held relevant documents in relation to Duterte’s unexplained wealth. – Rappler.com