MANILA: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has confirmed that it has no civil registry records for a certain Mary Grace Piattos, a name linked to liquidation documents from the Office of the Vice President (OVP). In a certification dated November 25, 2024, addressed to House Good Government and Public Accountability Committee Chair Joel Chua of Manila's Third District, the PSA stated that its Civil Registry System database yielded negative records of birth, marriage, or death for Piattos. The House panel released the documents on Tuesday as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds by the OVP. According to Philippines News Agency, the verification process is part of the committee's scrutiny into questionable acknowledgment receipts, amid suspicions that the name Mary Grace Piattos, a combination of a popular restaurant and a local snack brand, was fabricated. The PSA clarified that further verification could be conducted with additional informa tion, such as the subject's parents' names or the date and place of vital events. The certification was signed by PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Dennis Mapa. The House panel uncovered approximately 158 acknowledgment receipts attached to the liquidation reports submitted by the OVP to the Commission on Audit. Lawmakers believe the receipts were fabricated or hastily prepared to justify how the confidential funds were allegedly spent in just 11 days. Chua's committee flagged discrepancies in the receipts, including missing signatures, mismatched dates, and similarities in handwriting. Some receipts reportedly lacked basic details such as dates or names. In a move to uncover more information, House leaders have offered a PHP1-million reward for information on Mary Grace Piattos. Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales' First District earlier explained that Piattos allegedly received the largest share of confidential funds disbursed by the OVP in December 2022. Khonghun emphasized the importance of setting an example and discovering the truth, as the existence of Mary Grace Piattos could indicate that other recipients might also be fictitious. In a chance interview at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Chua stated that the committee would also verify the authenticity of other recipients' identities of the OVP's confidential funds. He suggested that the OVP might have used 'ghost employees' to divert funds. Chua mentioned that the next step would involve checking additional names that might be discovered during the investigation. Aside from Piattos, other names similar to popular snack brands such as 'Nova,' 'Oishi,' and 'Tempura' were also reflected in other acknowledgment receipts. The House Committee on Good Government and Accountability is also awaiting the results of the National Bureau of Investigation's verification of signatures of 'Kokoy Villamon' that appeared in multiple acknowledgment receipts with varying handwriting and signatures. House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun expressed that individuals behind the fake 'Mary Grace Piattos' should be held accountable. He questioned the reliability of the system if such fabrications are used and called for accountability for those responsible. The lack of claimants for the PHP1 million reward further indicated the possible fictitious nature of Piattos. Khonghun noted the disturbing level of deception reached and criticized government officials who should be providing accurate information for allegedly inventing Mary Grace Piattos. The investigation continues as lawmakers seek answers and accountability in this unfolding controversy over the alleged misuse of OVP funds.