Ortonio: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lemuel Ortonio, OVP assistant chief of staff with the rank of assistant secretary, made the confirmation in response to questions from Mae Divinagracia, private counsel for the House of Representatives prosecutors. Ortonio stated that it was Vice President Duterte's decision to request confidential funds in a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) dated August 22, 2022.
Ortonio revealed that Vice President Duterte also determined the amount of the confidential funds. "Yes, the determination for the amount is in the discretion of the Vice President," Ortonio confirmed during the proceedings.
Divinagracia pointed out that in the letter, the OVP requested four items, including financial assistance and subsidy augmentation, special duty allowance augmentation, additional co-terminus and contractual positions, and confidential funds. Supporting documents were attached for the first three requests, but the request for confidential funds lacked such documentation.
Ortonio admitted that no computation was submitted to support the appeal for confidential funds. When asked by Divinagracia if there were any attachments supporting the request, Ortonio responded, "Yes, that's correct, no attachments, Ma'am."
Divinagracia mentioned that the OVP justified the request for confidential funds by stating it was "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."
The letter also stated 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.'
Divinagracia questioned Ortonio about whether the OVP had any existing programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) relating to national security and peace and order when the confidential funds were requested. Ortonio clarified, "Based on the letter, Ma'am, there is a commitment to submit the plans and programs," but acknowledged that the letter indicated a promise "to formulate," not "to submit."
The OVP was granted PHP500 million in 2022 and 2023.
