Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte came to the defense of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, after an official from the Makati Business Club (MBC) pointed to her alleged misuse of confidential funds as an example of how corruption poses a security threat.
The lawmaker on Tuesday, fired back at businessman Apa Ongpin following his statement alleging misuse of OVP confidential and intelligence funds.
Duterte criticized Ongpin for what he described as ignorance of how government funds—particularly confidential and intelligence funds—are managed and audited.
“Before you start barking, maybe try running a city first so you’d actually understand what governance means, sir. You talk as if confidential and intelligence funds are some kind of secret stash. You clearly don’t know the nitty-gritty of how it works. Allow me to educate you a bit,” Duterte said in a statement.
He explained that such funds are legally appropriated and audited under Joint Circular No. 2015-01 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Commission on Audit (COA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), and the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).
He also emphasized that every disbursement is properly documented, liquidated, and subject to COA post-audit.
“Every disbursement requires proper documentation, liquidation, and is subject to COA post-audit. Hindi ito basta-basta lang na ginagastos kung kanino lang trip — contrary to your usual gossip-based conclusions,” Duterte said.
He dismissed Ongpin’s claims as “gossip-based conclusions,” adding that Vice President Sara Duterte’s use of funds is consistent with legal standards.
“Why do you think leftist groups hate the VP? Because of her efforts as DepEd chief to end NPA recruitment from the grassroots level and to strengthen the education sector,” Duterte said.
The congressman also pointed out that several other government agencies receive confidential funds, often much larger than the OVP’s.
“You think only the OVP gets confidential funds? How about the Office of the President, the DILG, the AFP, the PNP, the NBI — all of which have far bigger allocations? Did you ever ask who signs those billions? Or does your outrage conveniently end where your alliances begin?” Duterte said.
Duterte told Ongpin to gain real experience in public service before lecturing on governance.
“So before you play ‘investigative expert,’ I suggest you learn how government actually works. Try holding public office, managing crises, leading people — then maybe you’ll earn the right to lecture others about accountability. Until then, keep your lectures to your boardroom, not on national policy,” he said.
