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'HOPE' Envelopes Take Center Stage As House Tightens Probe On VP Duterte
Photo credit: Congress PH
The spotlight is now on a set of envelopes labeled “HOPE” as the House Committee on Justice ramps up its impeachment probe against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a latest move, the panel issued a subpoena ordering the release of key records tied to former Education undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado—including the now controversial envelopes she previously submitted as part of her testimony.
The directive, addressed to Legislative Archives director Marivic Pareja, requires her to appear before the committee on April 14, 2026, and bring documents such as Mercado’s affidavit and the “HOPE” envelopes themselves. The hearing will be held at the House of Representatives as lawmakers dig deeper into the allegations.
These envelopes first surfaced during earlier congressional hearings, where Mercado claimed she received nine of them between February and September 2023. According to her, the envelopes were mostly handed over by then DepEd assistant secretary Sunshine Fajarda—who allegedly said they came directly from Duterte.
Mercado said the envelopes appeared to be tied to her role as head of the procuring entity, or “HOPE,” in the Department of Education at the time. She also revealed that tensions rose after she flagged issues in procurement processes, including a controversial suggestion that bidders coordinate among themselves—something she strongly opposed.
The situation, she added, led to pressure from then OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, who allegedly asked for her resignation.
The probe also revisits testimony from former DepEd bids and awards committee chair Resty Osias, who disclosed receiving envelopes containing cash ranging from P12,000 to P15,000 during Duterte’s time as education secretary. Osias claimed he got four such envelopes in 2023, which he believed was part of a “practice” within the department.
Lawmakers are also seeking transcripts and video recordings from past hearings, particularly those that tackled how confidential funds were handled by both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The subpoena is part of efforts to secure original evidence referenced in earlier inquiries.
As the hearings continue, the committee is working to determine whether there is probable cause in the impeachment complaints—a key step before any possible trial in the Senate.
For now, all eyes remain on those “HOPE” envelopes, which could prove crucial in shaping the direction of the case.
In a latest move, the panel issued a subpoena ordering the release of key records tied to former Education undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado—including the now controversial envelopes she previously submitted as part of her testimony.
The directive, addressed to Legislative Archives director Marivic Pareja, requires her to appear before the committee on April 14, 2026, and bring documents such as Mercado’s affidavit and the “HOPE” envelopes themselves. The hearing will be held at the House of Representatives as lawmakers dig deeper into the allegations.
These envelopes first surfaced during earlier congressional hearings, where Mercado claimed she received nine of them between February and September 2023. According to her, the envelopes were mostly handed over by then DepEd assistant secretary Sunshine Fajarda—who allegedly said they came directly from Duterte.
Mercado said the envelopes appeared to be tied to her role as head of the procuring entity, or “HOPE,” in the Department of Education at the time. She also revealed that tensions rose after she flagged issues in procurement processes, including a controversial suggestion that bidders coordinate among themselves—something she strongly opposed.
The situation, she added, led to pressure from then OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, who allegedly asked for her resignation.
The probe also revisits testimony from former DepEd bids and awards committee chair Resty Osias, who disclosed receiving envelopes containing cash ranging from P12,000 to P15,000 during Duterte’s time as education secretary. Osias claimed he got four such envelopes in 2023, which he believed was part of a “practice” within the department.
Lawmakers are also seeking transcripts and video recordings from past hearings, particularly those that tackled how confidential funds were handled by both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The subpoena is part of efforts to secure original evidence referenced in earlier inquiries.
As the hearings continue, the committee is working to determine whether there is probable cause in the impeachment complaints—a key step before any possible trial in the Senate.
For now, all eyes remain on those “HOPE” envelopes, which could prove crucial in shaping the direction of the case.
Apr 10, 2026
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