NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
COA Audit On OVP Funds Took 3 Years, Not Political-Ridon
Photo credit: Congress PH
A key House leader is pushing back against claims of politics behind the controversy surrounding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds, saying the findings stem from a long and thorough audit process.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry L. Ridon on Friday stressed that the Commission on Audit’s (COA) disallowance of P73 million in OVP confidential funds—now part of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte—was the result of a three-year review, not a rushed or politically driven move.
“This did not happen overnight. These findings are the result of a three-year audit process conducted by the Commission on Audit, a constitutional body mandated to examine the use of public funds,” Ridon said in a statement.
The lawmaker noted that the COA’s conclusions followed a standard but lengthy process that included audit observations, agency responses, technical reviews, and appeals.
“Hindi ito minadali. Dumaan ito sa audit, sa paliwanag ng ahensya, sa review, at sa proseso ng apela. Lahat ng panig ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong sumagot,” he added.
Ridon also pointed out that Notices of Disallowance are issued only after careful evaluation of records and multiple layers of verification.
“A Notice of Disallowance is issued only after evaluation. It is not speculation—it is based on records. And when such findings persist after due process, they raise serious questions that cannot be ignored,” he said.
According to Ridon, the COA’s ruling could already establish probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Duterte, but he clarified that impeachment itself does not determine guilt.
“This is about probable cause, not conviction. The purpose is to allow the evidence—including COA findings—to be examined in the proper forum,” he said.
He emphasized that accountability mechanisms under the Constitution follow a sequence—from audit findings to legislative action, and potentially, a Senate trial.
“This is not the beginning of the process. This is the continuation of accountability. After years of audit and review, the Constitution provides the next step—and that is for Congress to act,” Ridon said.
Addressing concerns about timing, Ridon argued that the length of the audit process itself contradicts claims of political motivation.
“If this were political, it would have been rushed. Instead, it took three years. That is not harassment—that is due process,” he said.
He added that the public deserves clarity, especially when taxpayer money is involved.
“Kapag pera ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan, hindi puwedeng manatiling tanong. After three years of audit, the Filipino people deserve clear and final answers,” Ridon said.
“The audit has spoken. Due process has been observed. It is now the constitutional duty of Congress to take the next step,” he added.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry L. Ridon on Friday stressed that the Commission on Audit’s (COA) disallowance of P73 million in OVP confidential funds—now part of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte—was the result of a three-year review, not a rushed or politically driven move.
“This did not happen overnight. These findings are the result of a three-year audit process conducted by the Commission on Audit, a constitutional body mandated to examine the use of public funds,” Ridon said in a statement.
The lawmaker noted that the COA’s conclusions followed a standard but lengthy process that included audit observations, agency responses, technical reviews, and appeals.
“Hindi ito minadali. Dumaan ito sa audit, sa paliwanag ng ahensya, sa review, at sa proseso ng apela. Lahat ng panig ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong sumagot,” he added.
Ridon also pointed out that Notices of Disallowance are issued only after careful evaluation of records and multiple layers of verification.
“A Notice of Disallowance is issued only after evaluation. It is not speculation—it is based on records. And when such findings persist after due process, they raise serious questions that cannot be ignored,” he said.
According to Ridon, the COA’s ruling could already establish probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Duterte, but he clarified that impeachment itself does not determine guilt.
“This is about probable cause, not conviction. The purpose is to allow the evidence—including COA findings—to be examined in the proper forum,” he said.
He emphasized that accountability mechanisms under the Constitution follow a sequence—from audit findings to legislative action, and potentially, a Senate trial.
“This is not the beginning of the process. This is the continuation of accountability. After years of audit and review, the Constitution provides the next step—and that is for Congress to act,” Ridon said.
Addressing concerns about timing, Ridon argued that the length of the audit process itself contradicts claims of political motivation.
“If this were political, it would have been rushed. Instead, it took three years. That is not harassment—that is due process,” he said.
He added that the public deserves clarity, especially when taxpayer money is involved.
“Kapag pera ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan, hindi puwedeng manatiling tanong. After three years of audit, the Filipino people deserve clear and final answers,” Ridon said.
“The audit has spoken. Due process has been observed. It is now the constitutional duty of Congress to take the next step,” he added.
Apr 17, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
