Ombudsman gathers evidence for possible case over Sara Duterte’s confidential funds

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 16, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Inday Sara/Facebook

The Office of the Ombudsman is consolidating records and reviewing evidence concerning the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte, with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla saying a case may be filed if warranted by the findings.

Remulla said on October 16 that his office was collecting documents from Duterte’s impeachment proceedings and evaluating whether the evidence could support a separate legal case. He stressed that the records must be reviewed carefully to ensure any case filed can stand in court.

The inquiry covers confidential fund allocations to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure in both offices. The allegations focus on how the funds were liquidated and whether the supporting documents adequately established how the money was spent.

During the impeachment proceedings, prosecutors presented records submitted to the Commission on Audit, including acknowledgment receipts listing individuals identified as recipients of confidential funds. Testimony from the Philippine Statistics Authority raised questions about whether some of the names could be verified through civil registry records. These claims remain allegations subject to legal evaluation.

The Commission on Audit has also upheld the disallowance of ₱73 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President, ordering the return of the amount by the officials concerned. That audit action forms part of the broader scrutiny surrounding the office’s use of public funds.

Remulla said the Ombudsman would coordinate with the House prosecution panel to obtain relevant records, including evidence that was not presented during the impeachment trial. He indicated that the office was working urgently but would need to establish a sufficient evidentiary basis before pursuing any case.

The confidential funds allegations were among the issues raised in Duterte’s impeachment case. On October 13, however, the prosecution withdrew three of the four articles of impeachment, leaving the article concerning alleged unexplained wealth and undisclosed business interests as the remaining charge.

The Ombudsman’s review is a separate process from the impeachment proceedings. Any decision to file a case will depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable legal requirements.