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Paolo Duterte Hits Back At Apa Ongpin Over OVP Confidential Funds Allegations
Photo credit: Paolo Duterte
Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte fired back at businessman Apa Ongpin on Monday after the latter alleged misuse of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential and intelligence funds.
In a sharp rebuke, Duterte challenged Ongpin’s understanding of governance, saying, “Before you start barking, maybe try running a city first, so you’d actually understand what governance means, sir.”
The lawmaker emphasized that confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) 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 Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).
“These funds are used strictly for information-gathering, security coordination, surveillance, and confidential operations,” Duterte explained, adding that every peso spent is supported by documentation and subject to COA post-audit.
The Davao representative said Ongpin’s comments reflect a lack of understanding about how government funds are managed. “Hindi ito basta-basta lang na ginagastos kung kanino lang trip — contrary to your usual gossip-based conclusions,” he said.
Duterte also defended Vice President Sara Duterte, saying her initiatives as Education Secretary to curb NPA recruitment in schools have drawn criticism from certain groups. “Why do you think leftist groups hate the VP? Because of efforts of the Vice President as DepEd chief to end recruitments by the NPA from the grassroots level and strengthening the education sector,” he added.
He questioned why Ongpin’s outrage seemed to be aimed solely at the OVP, pointing out that other government offices — such as the Office of the President, DILG, AFP, PNP, and NBI — also receive confidential funds, many of which are larger.
“Did you ever ask who signs those billions? Or does your outrage conveniently end where your alliances begin?” Duterte said.
In closing, he urged Ongpin to gain real experience before criticizing public officials. “Try holding public office, try managing crises, try 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.
In a sharp rebuke, Duterte challenged Ongpin’s understanding of governance, saying, “Before you start barking, maybe try running a city first, so you’d actually understand what governance means, sir.”
The lawmaker emphasized that confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) 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 Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).
“These funds are used strictly for information-gathering, security coordination, surveillance, and confidential operations,” Duterte explained, adding that every peso spent is supported by documentation and subject to COA post-audit.
The Davao representative said Ongpin’s comments reflect a lack of understanding about how government funds are managed. “Hindi ito basta-basta lang na ginagastos kung kanino lang trip — contrary to your usual gossip-based conclusions,” he said.
Duterte also defended Vice President Sara Duterte, saying her initiatives as Education Secretary to curb NPA recruitment in schools have drawn criticism from certain groups. “Why do you think leftist groups hate the VP? Because of efforts of the Vice President as DepEd chief to end recruitments by the NPA from the grassroots level and strengthening the education sector,” he added.
He questioned why Ongpin’s outrage seemed to be aimed solely at the OVP, pointing out that other government offices — such as the Office of the President, DILG, AFP, PNP, and NBI — also receive confidential funds, many of which are larger.
“Did you ever ask who signs those billions? Or does your outrage conveniently end where your alliances begin?” Duterte said.
In closing, he urged Ongpin to gain real experience before criticizing public officials. “Try holding public office, try managing crises, try 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.
Oct 21, 2025
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