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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OVP says no COA decision received, declines comment on audit issue raised in House hearing

OVP says no COA decision received, declines comment on audit issue raised in House hearing

OVP acknowledges the 2023 disallowance, to pursue the 'appropriate remedies'

Published Apr 20, 2026 04:26 pm
The office of Vice President Sara Duterte said it has not received the Commission on Audit (COA) decision cited in the House Justice Committee hearing and declines to comment pending an official copy. (Manila Bulletin/file)
The office of Vice President Sara Duterte said it has not received the Commission on Audit (COA) decision cited in the House Justice Committee hearing and declines to comment pending an official copy. (Manila Bulletin/file)
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte said on Monday, April 20, that it has yet to receive an official copy of the decision from the Commission on Audit (COA) presented during a recent congressional hearing, preventing it from issuing any formal comment on the matter.
In a brief statement, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) clarified that it has not been furnished with the audit ruling discussed during the April 14 proceedings of the House Committee on Justice.
"The Office of the Vice President has not yet officially received a copy of the Decision of the Commission on Audit (COA) Commission Proper concerning the 2022 Confidential Funds, which was referenced during the April 14, 2026, hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice. Accordingly, we are unable to comment on the matter at this time," the OVP said.
"Accordingly, we are unable to comment on the matter at this time," it added. 
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny following disclosures at a House panel hearing, during which lawmakers referenced a COA decision on the use of government funds.
However, without access to the official document, the OVP emphasized that any response would be premature.
The OVP is currently headed by Duterte, whose office has been the subject of audit-related discussions in recent months.
While it has not received the 2022 audit ruling, the OVP confirmed that it has received a Notice of Disallowance from COA concerning its 2023 confidential funds.
The office said it intends to take appropriate legal steps to address the audit findings.
“In the meantime, we confirm receipt of the Notice of Disallowance about the 2023 Confidential Funds and will pursue the appropriate remedies in accordance with COA rules,” OVP said.
The COA is the constitutional body tasked with examining, auditing, and settling all accounts related to government expenditures. Its decisions often serve as the basis for legislative inquiries and potential administrative or legal actions.
Citing multiple violations of the joint circular governing such expenditures, COA ordered the OVP under Duterte to return P375 million in confidential funds for 2023 on April 20. This latest development adds to the P73 million in confidential expenses previously disallowed by state auditors for the fiscal year 2022.

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OVP COA decision Sara Duterte audit issue House Justice Committee hearing Philippines Commission on Audit Philippines news Vice President office statement Philippines
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