Manila: Amid the investigation into alleged confidential fund misuse by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), other government agencies found to have violated the rules should also be held accountable. Confidential funds are subject to specific conditions because they are intended for circumstances where certain expenditures cannot appropriately be charged to an agency's regular operating funds, House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said in a radio interview Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Adiong emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that agencies and officials not complying with the established regulations should be pursued. He pointed to Joint Circular 2015-01, which outlines the rules on the use, disbursement, and reporting of confidential and intelligence funds, as the framework that should be adhered to.

The administration lawmaker, also a spokesperson of the House of Representatives impeachment prosecution panel, stressed the importance of implementing more stringent procedures and policies in the management of confidential funds. He argued that the focus should be on the agencies' implementation of these funds rather than viewing the funds themselves as problematic.

In the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, state auditors have testified about irregularities in the use and liquidation of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education when Duterte was secretary. Adiong noted that previous agencies with confidential funds generally complied with audit requirements and submitted the necessary supporting documents.