The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that the identity behind the name “Mary Grace Piattos” will not be publicly revealed even if impeachment proceedings against the Vice President move forward.
Michael Poa, spokesperson of Duterte’s defense team, said exposing identities linked to the issue would be akin to revealing an informant, which could endanger lives and compromise government operations.
“Hindi ganoon kadali bigla kang magdi-disclose because you might jeopardize that. In fact, there are laws that even criminalize ‘yung unauthorized disclosure ng mga confidential information under RA 3019,” Poa explained.
He stressed that while the defense is prepared to answer all accusations, it is the complainants’ burden to prove allegations of fund misuse.
Poa emphasized that the Vice President is not evading accountability but noted clear limits on what can be made public due to the sensitive nature of intelligence-related activities.
“We will be able to explain not just Mary Grace Piattos, but all of the other accusations on fake names, fake things,” he said.
The use of names such as “Mary Grace Piattos” has figured prominently in accusations against Duterte concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds.