Congressman Joel Chua, who leads the House panel on government accountability, says it might make sense to file an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. But, he admits, it’s a tricky road ahead.
The panel is investigating the alleged questionable use of P500 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Chua shared his thoughts during an interview, saying, “There are definitely grounds for impeachment, but whether it will proceed is a tough question. The campaign season for the 2025 elections starts next year, which makes this even more challenging.”
What’s the Issue?
The controversy began when the Commission on Audit (COA) found issues with documents related to the OVP and Department of Education (DepEd), where Duterte previously served as Secretary. These included acknowledgment receipts with incorrect dates, unreadable names, or signatures from questionable signatories like “Mary Grace Piattos.”
It also came to light that DepEd used certifications from military officials to justify its confidential fund expenses—without the officials even knowing their names were being used. Chua emphasized, “We’re seeing many questionable documents and trying to figure out where the money really went.”
A Dry Run for Impeachment?
Vice President Duterte has called the inquiry a “dry run” for an impeachment case and declined to appear in recent hearings, saying the process was not genuinely aiding legislation. However, back in September, she attended a probe where she denied any misuse of confidential funds.
The House panel also revealed that the OVP had asked COA not to comply with a subpoena related to the audit of the funds, raising more questions.
What Happens Next?
Chua admits that while there are grounds for impeachment, the political and timing challenges make it unlikely to move forward. “We know the situation,” he said, referring to the country’s political climate and the upcoming election season.
For now, the investigation continues, with more eyes on how public funds are being handled and accounted for.
