NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
'Clueless' Or Careless? VP Duterte's Dismissive Attitude On Confidential Fund Scandal Raises Eyebrows
Photo credit: Paolo Ortega
Vice President Sara Duterte’s reaction to allegations surrounding her office’s confidential funds has left many questioning whether she is truly unaware of the issue or simply refusing to take it seriously. House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega isn’t buying her nonchalant attitude, calling it a blatant disregard for accountability.
Ortega minced no words when he criticized Duterte for brushing off accusations that her office’s confidential fund disbursement included fictitious names—some as absurd as “Dodong,” “Jay Kamote,” and “Miggy Mango.” These, along with earlier reports of “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Pia Piatos-Lim,” have fueled suspicions that something fishy is going on.
“Ipinakita niya na wala siyang pakialam sa isyung ito. Instead of addressing the mounting evidence against her, she continues to shrug it off as if it were a joke,” Ortega said.
Rather than responding with transparency, Duterte has reportedly dismissed the matter outright, which Ortega says only raises more red flags.
“If she has nothing to hide, why not be the first to call for an investigation? Why not release a proper list of recipients to clear her name?” Ortega asked.
Imaginary Payroll?
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a staggering number of the supposed fund recipients cannot be verified. Out of 1,992 names listed, 1,322 have no birth records, 1,456 have no marriage records, and 1,593 have no death records.
“Parang imaginary payroll ito,” Ortega pointed out. “Hindi natin matukoy kung totoong tao ba ang mga tumanggap ng perang galing sa CIF.”
With the controversy growing, the lawmaker emphasized that Duterte should be preparing for her impeachment trial rather than downplaying the issue.
“This isn’t just about impeachment—it’s about whether the country’s second-highest official misused public money,” he said. “She owes the people real answers, not dismissive remarks.”
A Test of Public Trust
Duterte’s handling of the scandal could have serious implications for her political future. Ortega warned that if she continues to evade accountability, the public may see it as an admission of guilt.
“Walang Pilipinong dapat payagan ang ganitong klaseng pambabastos sa pera ng bayan. Hindi tayo tanga,” Ortega said. “These names are no accident—they’re part of something bigger.”
With an impeachment trial looming, the question remains: Will
Duterte finally confront the issue head-on, or will she continue to dodge the tough questions? One thing’s for sure—the public is watching.
Ortega minced no words when he criticized Duterte for brushing off accusations that her office’s confidential fund disbursement included fictitious names—some as absurd as “Dodong,” “Jay Kamote,” and “Miggy Mango.” These, along with earlier reports of “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Pia Piatos-Lim,” have fueled suspicions that something fishy is going on.
“Ipinakita niya na wala siyang pakialam sa isyung ito. Instead of addressing the mounting evidence against her, she continues to shrug it off as if it were a joke,” Ortega said.
Rather than responding with transparency, Duterte has reportedly dismissed the matter outright, which Ortega says only raises more red flags.
“If she has nothing to hide, why not be the first to call for an investigation? Why not release a proper list of recipients to clear her name?” Ortega asked.
Imaginary Payroll?
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a staggering number of the supposed fund recipients cannot be verified. Out of 1,992 names listed, 1,322 have no birth records, 1,456 have no marriage records, and 1,593 have no death records.
“Parang imaginary payroll ito,” Ortega pointed out. “Hindi natin matukoy kung totoong tao ba ang mga tumanggap ng perang galing sa CIF.”
With the controversy growing, the lawmaker emphasized that Duterte should be preparing for her impeachment trial rather than downplaying the issue.
“This isn’t just about impeachment—it’s about whether the country’s second-highest official misused public money,” he said. “She owes the people real answers, not dismissive remarks.”
A Test of Public Trust
Duterte’s handling of the scandal could have serious implications for her political future. Ortega warned that if she continues to evade accountability, the public may see it as an admission of guilt.
“Walang Pilipinong dapat payagan ang ganitong klaseng pambabastos sa pera ng bayan. Hindi tayo tanga,” Ortega said. “These names are no accident—they’re part of something bigger.”
With an impeachment trial looming, the question remains: Will
Duterte finally confront the issue head-on, or will she continue to dodge the tough questions? One thing’s for sure—the public is watching.
Mar 20, 2025
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