House prosecutors have accused Vice President Sara Duterte of being behind the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, describing the supposed scheme as a “confi scam.”
At a press conference, former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, an adviser to the House prosecution panel, presented a matrix detailing what prosecutors described as questionable transactions involving the funds.
Barbers said the investigation showed that the disputed expenditures were initiated by Duterte herself.
Although multiple government agencies and personnel were allegedly involved, Barbers said prosecutors identified what they believe was a common modus operandi as they followed the movement of funds through various offices.
He said the pattern pointed to similar procedures being used repeatedly, with Duterte allegedly giving instructions on the release and distribution of cash and approving related reports.
“Sa kasong inilalatag ng prosekusyon, si Sara Duterte ang tinuturong utak ng operasyon. Ikinakabit siya ng mga salaysay, testimonya, at stipulation sa halaga, sa instruction, kung kanino ibibigay ang cash, at tsaka sa pag-approve ng kanilang mga reports… Siya ang mismong nag-direkta ng umano’y scam na ito,” the former lawmaker said.
Barbers further underscored the prosecution’s allegation by saying:
“Isang modus, iisa ang boss: Si Sara Duterte umano ang utak ng operasyon.”
Barbers stressed that the accusations remain allegations at this stage and that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will ultimately determine the merits of the case.
He also said the issue deserves public scrutiny because it involves government funds, adding that taxpayers have a right to know what happened to the money.