Days after the Commission on Audit (COA) issued its report on the expenditures of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), the latter asserted that the confidential funds were utilized appropriately.
“The confidential fund has been utilized appropriately for its intended purpose and in accordance with the guidelines set by the national government,” Vice President Sara Duterte said in a statement.
This developed after state auditors in a report released on July 3, 2023, showed that the confidential expenses of the OVP rose to P125 million in 2022.
The COA also noted in its report that the aid and subsidies given by OVP to local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) decreased to P378.82 million in 2022 from P526.713 million in 2021.
The vice president explained that this is given the lower budget under the General Appropriations Act of 2022.
“The decrease in the amount of Financial Assistance/Subsidy from Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2022 was due to a lower amount of budget/appropriation under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, in view of the anticipated election ban and transition in 2022,” Duterte said.
COA flagged the OVP for breaking procurement regulations when purchasing equipment amounting to P668, 197.20 to expedite the opening of its satellite offices during the beginning of Duterte’s term as vice president.
Based on the report of COA, the procurement is not fully compliant with the relevant procedures and provisions of Republic Act 9RA) No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
