The Commission on Audit has ordered the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Vice President Sara Duterte to refund P375 million in confidential funds after uncovering violations of government spending rules.
The audit body issued a notice of disallowance covering three cash advances worth P125 million each, all released in 2023. The findings were disclosed to the media on April 20 through documents provided by Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon.
Those held liable include Duterte, OVP special disbursement officer Gina Acosta, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey, and Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, who heads the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group.
COA cited the absence of adequate supporting records for P62 million intended for intelligence-gathering operations, noting that there was no clear proof these activities achieved their stated objectives.
The audit also questioned P199 million reportedly spent on supplies and aid distribution, pointing out that the office failed to submit official receipts or sales invoices. Instead, only acknowledgment receipts were presented, which fall short of standard auditing requirements.
Under government auditing rules, a notice of disallowance is issued when public funds are found to have been spent in violation of regulations, making the responsible officials liable for the amount involved.
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