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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OVP exec says VP Duterte sought confidential funds without any supporting papers

OVP exec says VP Duterte sought confidential funds without any supporting papers

Published Aug 25, 2026 02:50 pm

At A Glance

  • OVP Assistant Chief-of-staff Lemuel Ortonio testified that Sara Duterte's confidential funds request to the DBM in August 2022 had no supporting documents or computations.
  • He confirmed the Vice President herself determined the P500 million amount, with the letter attaching documents for other items but not for confidential funds.
  • Prosecutors notes the OVP only promised "to formulate" programs on national security and peace and order, underscoring allegations of misuse of P612.5 million in OVP and DepEd funds now under impeachment trial.
OVP Assistant Chief-of-staff Lemuel Ortonio (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Senate PRIB, MANILA BULLETIN)
OVP Assistant Chief-of-staff Lemuel Ortonio (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Senate PRIB, MANILA BULLETIN)


Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief-of-staff Lemuel Ortonio told the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, Aug. 25 that Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for confidential funds had no supporting documents.
Ortonio, the prosecution panel's second hostile witness in the high-stakes case, made the confirmation during the direct examination of private prosecutor Mae Divinagracia.
Ortonio, who carried the rank of assistant secretary, said it was the Vice President’s decision to request confidential funds in a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) dated Aug. 22, 2022.
It was also the respondent, Duterte who determined the amount of confidential funds. "Yes, the determination for the amount is in the discretion of the Vice President," Ortonio said in response to Divinagracia.
The OVP was given a total of P500 million in 2022 and 2023.
In the letter, Divinagracia said the OVP requested four items: One, augmentation of financial assistance and subsidy; two, augmentation of special duty allowance; three, additional 192 co-terminus and contractual positions; and four, confidential funds.
She said the OVP attached supporting documents for the first three items but not for the request for confidential funds.
Ortonio admitted that no computation was submitted to support the appeal for such funds. “That's correct, no computation,” he answered.
“Yes, none. In fact, there was no attachment supporting the OVP's request for confidential funds. Correct?” Divinagracia asked.
“Yes, that's correct, no attachments, ma’am,” Ortonio replied.
Divinagracia said the OVP supported its request for confidential funds with a justification, which she quoted: "For and in consideration of the safe implementation of the various projects and activities under the good governance program and the conduct of official engagements and functional representation in international and domestic events as instructed by the Vice President."
She also quoted a part of the letter stating that the Vice President’s office “committed to formulate programs, projects and activities relevant to national security and peace and order and is devoted to implement said PPEs with proper security and safety protocols for the benefit of the institution through the OVP satellite offices, its partner stakeholders, and the general public.”
She asked Ortonio that since the OVP “committed to formulate”, this meant that the Vice President’s office had no programs, projects, and activities relating to national security and peace and order yet when it requested confidential funds.
“Based on the letter, ma'am, there is a commitment to submit the plans and programs,” Ortonio explained.
The prosecutor then noted that based on the letter, the OVP's promise was “to formulate,” not “to submit” programs, projects, and activities.
“Correct,” Ortonio said.
Tuesday was day 18 of the Senate impeachment trial. Among the allegations against Duterte was her supposed misuse of P612.5 million confidential funds released to the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), which he led as its secretary from 2022 to 2024.

Related Tags

OVP Sara Duterte confidential funds impeachment Lemuel Ortonio
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