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Advocates Philippines
De Lima: Duterte Probe Now About Paper Trail Not Politics
Photo courtesy from PNA
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte entered a crucial stage, with lawmakers stressing that the inquiry is now anchored on documents, audit findings, and a clear pattern of transactions — not mere allegations.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Mamamayang Liberal partylist representative Leila de Lima told the House Committee on Justice that the case can no longer be brushed off as rumor or political noise.
“The complaints before us are grounded on documents, audit findings, and a discernible pattern of transactions,” De Lima said, as she laid out the direction of the probe — particularly on the use of confidential funds.
She pointed to the complaint filed by Rev. Fr. Joel Saballa and others, saying it presents a clear narrative suggesting possible misuse of funds both in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, where Duterte previously served as secretary.
According to De Lima, the issue goes beyond a single questionable expense.
“Hindi ito isolated incident,” she said, stressing that what’s being examined is a series of interconnected transactions that may reveal a broader pattern.
She cited specific claims in the complaint, including disbursements in December 2022 where more than 100 recipients allegedly received over P15 million in a single day, followed by another round of payouts the next day amounting to more than P5 million.
For De Lima, the red flag lies in the pattern — large sums released in quick succession, tied to names that are reportedly difficult to verify, and lacking clear documentation.
“Hindi lang ito simpleng irregularity,” she said, warning that the allegations point to possible misuse and abuse of public funds.
Beyond confidential funds, she said the committee will also look into other issues raised in the complaint, including bribery, unexplained wealth, and alleged destabilization efforts.
To support the investigation, representatives from key agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and National Bureau of Investigation have been invited to participate.
At the heart of the issue, De Lima emphasized, is public trust.
“Confidential funds are still public funds,” she said, noting that more than P600 million was entrusted to the Vice President.
She underscored that the hearing is not about immediately declaring guilt, but about fulfilling a constitutional duty.
“We are not here to prejudge,” De Lima said. “We are here because the Constitution commands us to act.”
For her, the bottom line is simple: this phase of the hearings is about accountability — and answering to the Filipino people.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Mamamayang Liberal partylist representative Leila de Lima told the House Committee on Justice that the case can no longer be brushed off as rumor or political noise.
“The complaints before us are grounded on documents, audit findings, and a discernible pattern of transactions,” De Lima said, as she laid out the direction of the probe — particularly on the use of confidential funds.
She pointed to the complaint filed by Rev. Fr. Joel Saballa and others, saying it presents a clear narrative suggesting possible misuse of funds both in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, where Duterte previously served as secretary.
According to De Lima, the issue goes beyond a single questionable expense.
“Hindi ito isolated incident,” she said, stressing that what’s being examined is a series of interconnected transactions that may reveal a broader pattern.
She cited specific claims in the complaint, including disbursements in December 2022 where more than 100 recipients allegedly received over P15 million in a single day, followed by another round of payouts the next day amounting to more than P5 million.
For De Lima, the red flag lies in the pattern — large sums released in quick succession, tied to names that are reportedly difficult to verify, and lacking clear documentation.
“Hindi lang ito simpleng irregularity,” she said, warning that the allegations point to possible misuse and abuse of public funds.
Beyond confidential funds, she said the committee will also look into other issues raised in the complaint, including bribery, unexplained wealth, and alleged destabilization efforts.
To support the investigation, representatives from key agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and National Bureau of Investigation have been invited to participate.
At the heart of the issue, De Lima emphasized, is public trust.
“Confidential funds are still public funds,” she said, noting that more than P600 million was entrusted to the Vice President.
She underscored that the hearing is not about immediately declaring guilt, but about fulfilling a constitutional duty.
“We are not here to prejudge,” De Lima said. “We are here because the Constitution commands us to act.”
For her, the bottom line is simple: this phase of the hearings is about accountability — and answering to the Filipino people.
Apr 14, 2026
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