The prosecution’s hostile witness on Tuesday confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) had no supporting documents.
Lemuel Ortonio, OVP assistant chief of staff with the rank of assistant secretary, made the confirmation in answer to questions raised by private counsel for the panel of House of Representatives prosecutors Mae Divinagracia.
Ortonio told the impeachment court that it was the Vice President’s decision to request confidential funds in a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) dated Aug. 22, 2022.
It was also the Vice President who determined the amount of confidential funds, he said.
“Yes, the determination for the amount is in the discretion of the Vice President,” Ortonio said.
Divinagracia noted that in the letter, the OVP requested four items – augmentation of financial assistance and subsidy; augmentation of special duty allowance; additional 192 co-terminus and contractual positions; and confidential funds.
She said the OVP attached supporting documents for the first three items but not for the request for confidential funds.
Ortonio admitted that no computation was submitted to support the appeal for confidential funds.
“That’s correct, no computation,” he answered.
“Yes, none. In fact, there was no attachment supporting the OVP’s request for confidential funds. Correct?” Divinagracia asked.
“Yes, that’s correct, no attachments, Ma’am,” Ortonio answered.
Divinagracia said the OVP supported its request for confidential funds with a justification, which she quote: “For and in consideration of the safe implementation of the various projects and activities under the good governance program and the conduct of official engagements and functional representation in international and domestic events as instructed by the Vice President.”
She also quoted a part of the letter stating that the Vice President’s office “committed to formulate programs, projects and activities relevant to national security and peace and order and is devoted to implement said PPAs with proper security and safety protocols for the benefit of the institution through the OVP satellite offices, its partner stakeholders, and the general public.”
She asked Ortonio that since the OVP “committed to formulate,” this meant that the Vice President’s office had no PPAs relating to national security and peace and order yet when it requested confidential funds.
“Based on the letter, Ma’am, there is a commitment to submit the plans and programs,” Ortonio said.
The prosecution counsel clarified that based on the letter, the OVP’s promise was “to formulate,” not “to submit” programs, projects, and activities.
“Correct,” Ortonio said.
The OVP was given PHP500 million in 2022 and 2023. (PNA)