MANILA, Philippines — Allegations continue to mount against Sara Duterte as committees in the House of Representatives of the Philippines intensify their scrutiny over the alleged anomalous use of confidential funds (CF) in her offices. Key issues raised include the transfer of funds in 2022, the rapid disbursement of ₱125 million within 11 days, and questionable identities listed in acknowledgment receipts (ARs). These concerns prompted a series of hearings led by the House committee on good government and public accountability, alongside parallel discussions by the committee on justice on impeachment complaints. On April 14, the proceedings entered a critical phase, with the House Committee on Justice beginning its formal examination of evidence against Duterte. This follows the panel’s earlier ruling that the remaining impeachment complaints were sufficient in form, substance, and grounds, allowing the process to move forward under established impeachment rules.
During its March 25 hearing, the committee authorized subpoenas for several key documents and personalities considered vital to the case. Among those summoned: Melvin Matibag, head of the National Bureau of Investigation, to present records on the investigation into Duterte’s alleged assassination threats against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jesus Crispin Remulla, for Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) covering multiple years Ramil Madriaga, Duterte’s former aide, including his affidavit Michael Poa, on CF disbursement processes and coordination with the Commission on Audit Gamaliel Cordoba and COA audit officials, for intelligence fund audit records and submissions from the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines Cynthia Viñas-Pantonal, who notarized Madriaga’s testimony The House archives division, to provide transcripts and video records of prior hearings Charlito Martin Mendoza, regarding Duterte’s tax compliance and income records Francis Edralin Lim, for corporate filings and financial documents of firms linked to Duterte and her family.
Several agencies and individuals—including the Office of the Ombudsman, COA, and key witnesses—have confirmed their attendance, signaling the start of a more evidence-driven phase in the impeachment proceedings. The upcoming hearings are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the complaints against the vice president will advance further in the constitutional process.
