Ex-COA Auditor Testifies VP Sara Duterte Was the Only Vice President He Audited With Confidential Funds

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Introduction

A former Commission on Audit (COA) official told the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte was the only vice president he had audited whose office received confidential funds, providing another key testimony during the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Context

On the 11th day of the impeachment trial held on Monday, August 3, former COA-ICFAO State Auditor Roderick Wamil appeared before the Senate impeachment court as a prosecution witness.

During his testimony, Wamil explained that he did not conduct audits involving confidential funds for former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Leni Robredo because their offices had no budget appropriations for confidential funds during their respective terms.

He also testified that the Department of Education (DepEd) only began receiving confidential funds after Sara Duterte assumed the position of Education Secretary.

Key Points From the Testimony

According to Wamil:

• Vice President Sara Duterte was the only vice president whose confidential funds he audited.
• Former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Leni Robredo had no confidential fund appropriations, leaving no such funds to audit.
• DepEd’s confidential funds were introduced during Duterte’s tenure as Secretary of Education.

Before Wamil took the witness stand, former Land Bank officials also testified regarding the release and encashment of substantial cash withdrawals related to confidential fund transactions. Their testimonies formed part of the documentary and testimonial evidence presented before the impeachment court.

Why It Matters

The prosecution continues to present witnesses and documentary evidence to support its case before the Senate impeachment court. Testimonies from former government auditors and banking officials are intended to establish the handling, release, and audit trail of confidential funds.

The defense will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present its own evidence as the impeachment trial proceeds.

Commentary

The testimony presented by former auditor Roderick Wamil adds another piece to the broader discussion surrounding the management and audit of confidential funds. While the statements are now part of the official impeachment record, the Senate impeachment court has yet to determine their legal significance. As with all impeachment proceedings, the final outcome will depend on the totality of evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

Conclusion

With more witnesses expected to testify, the impeachment trial continues to examine the use, disbursement, and auditing of confidential funds. The proceedings remain ongoing, and the Senate impeachment court will ultimately decide the case based on the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.