Malacañang believes that the discovery of new names in the list of supposed recipients of Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential funds should prompt a more thorough investigation.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after it was reported that more questionable names such as "Jay Kamote" and "Miggy Mango" were listed as recipients of the Vice President's funds, raising more questions about the legitimacy of the transactions.

In a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, the Palace Press Officer said while there is a presumption of regularity, the issue must be proven as the public has the right to know how government funds are being spent.

"Karapatan po ng taong bayan malaman kung saan po talaga ginagasta ang pera, ang pondo ng bayan, ang kaban ng bayan kung saan po nadadala (The people have the right to know where the money, the nation’s funds, are really being spent)," she said.

"Since nako-question nga po ito, ay dapat lamang patunayan ni VP Sara kung ang mga resibong ito ay totoo o hindi (Since this is being questioned now, the Vice President must prove whether these receipts are real or not)," she added.

The Vice President has been embroiled in controversy regarding the spending of her confidential funds. Unusual names have been flagged as recipients, including those resembling popular snack brands.

Duterte is currently in The Netherlands to attend to her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested and surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

When asked if there have been efforts to bring Vice President Duterte home from Europe, Castro reminded Duterte of her duty to the Filipino people.

"Tingin ko dapat po isipin po niya na kailangan din po siya ng Pilipinas bilang bise presidente (I think she should consider that the Philippines also needs her as vice president)," she said.

While her situation is understandable, Castro said the Vice President is mandated to serve Filipinos.

"Siya po dapat ay nagtatrabaho hindi lang para sa kanyang ama, although acceptable po at maiintindihan po natin sa ngayon ang kanyang nararamdaman (She should be working not just for her father, although her situation right now are acceptable and understandable)," she said.

"Tandaan lang po niya, sinasabi niya po, milyon na Pilipino ang bumoto sa kanya at kailangan din po niyang pagsilbihan ito (She must remember what she said that millions of Filipinos voted for her, and she also needs to serve them)," she added.