HOUSE of Representatives prosecutors are studying a measure that would establish stricter legal safeguards on the use of confidential and intelligence funds following issues raised during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
House prosecutor and Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro said members of the prosecution panel are considering the filing of a Confidential and Intelligence Fund Integrity bill, which would convert existing audit guidelines from the Commission on Audit (COA) into statutory requirements.
‘Some members of the panel are studying the filing of the Confidential and Intelligence Fund Integrity bill,’ Ridon said. ‘Basically, it will codify the Commission on Audit [COA] rulings and COA guidelines.’
The proposal seeks to provide clearer standards on the release, utilization, reporting, and auditing of confidential funds, which are currently governed by Joint Circular 2015-01 issued by COA and other government agencies.
Ridon said lawmakers are examining several areas, including the documentation and rental of safe houses, the verification of aliases used in confidential fund records, and the qualifications of individuals authorized to handle confidential cash.
He added that mechanisms should be established to verify individuals identified through aliases while maintaining operational confidentiality.
The measure may also clarify whether confidential funds may be used for expenses such as medicines or should be limited to activities directly related to intelligence and information gathering.
Ridon said the legislation could also impose penalties for violations involving the improper use of confidential funds.
Bank, tax records
THE House prosecution panel, meanwhile, has received bank documents and tax records involving Duterte, her husband Manases Carpio, and companies linked to the couple. The documents will be reviewed as part of the evidence for the impeachment article on unexplained wealth.
Ridon said the records would form part of the prosecution’s evidence and would be examined thoroughly. ‘We will study and thoroughly examine all of these documents,’ he said.
The prosecution panel is also evaluating whether to continue presenting evidence related to bribery and procurement allegations involving Department of Education officials or proceed directly with the unexplained wealth article.
Ridon said the panel is considering which articles would provide the strongest presentation of evidence. He added that the unexplained wealth team is preparing to present documents before the Senate Impeachment Court.
The panel also clarified the role of former Department of Education undersecretary Michael Wesley Poa, who testified as a hostile witness. Ridon said Poa should not be considered responsible merely for preparing responses to COA audit findings.
‘Well, I think to be clear, the one on trial here is not Mr. Poa. He is just a witness,’ Ridon said, emphasizing that the impeachment case is focused on the Vice President.
The prosecution maintained that accountability should focus on officials directly involved in the management and utilization of confidential funds, including those identified in COA notices of disallowance.
House prosecution spokesperson, Lanao del Sur Rep Zia-ur Rahman Alonto Adiong, also called on Duterte to participate in the impeachment proceedings, saying several questions regarding the use of confidential funds remain unanswered.
The House prosecution panel said it aims to complete its presentation of evidence as proceedings continue, while lawmakers consider possible reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of confidential and intelligence funds.