Malacañang has turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman the review of multiple complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte over the use of confidential funds, palace officials said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the complaints should undergo the proper investigative process, particularly if complainants have submitted sufficient and credible evidence. She said it is the Ombudsman’s role to determine whether the allegations warrant further action.
The complaints were filed by several groups from civil society and the religious sector. They accuse Duterte of various offenses, including plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution.
According to the complaints, the allegations stem from the alleged irregular spending of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President. The complaints also cover the period when Duterte served as secretary of the Department of Education.
Castro said Malacañang will not interfere in the process and will allow the Ombudsman to carry out its constitutional mandate. She emphasized that all complaints must be evaluated based on evidence and existing laws, without political influence.
The Office of the Ombudsman is constitutionally mandated to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of wrongdoing. Complaints filed before the office typically undergo a preliminary assessment to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.
Duterte has not issued a statement in response to the complaints as of publication time. No findings or rulings have been released by the Ombudsman regarding the allegations.
The Palace reiterated that the filing of complaints does not equate to guilt and stressed the importance of due process in resolving allegations involving public officials.
