Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds could still result in a criminal conviction despite the impeachment proceedings, according to House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.
The potential charges stem from a Notice of Disallowance issued by the Commission on Audit (COA) covering P73.287 million in confidential expenses incurred by the Office of the Vice President in December 2022.
Adiong said the audit finding strengthens, rather than weakens, the prosecution’s case.
“That will only prove that there was really prima facie evidence of misuse of public funds for one’s own benefit or personal interest,” he said.
During the impeachment trial, the prosecution presented extensive documentary evidence and witness testimony concerning the transfer, release, and receipt of the confidential funds.
However, prosecutors dropped Article I, which dealt with the alleged misuse of confidential funds, along with two other Articles of Impeachment. Adiong acknowledged that the move narrowed the avenues for securing a conviction in the Senate.
Since only one article is needed to obtain a conviction and trigger constitutional penalties, the prosecution has shifted its focus to Article II, which accuses Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth.
Adiong maintained that the evidence presented on the confidential funds issue remains relevant and could still form the basis for separate criminal proceedings outside the impeachment process. ||
