Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, pushed back against claims that the ₱600 million intelligence funds of Vice President Sara Duterte are insignificant, stressing that the amount is substantial and merits scrutiny in the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Supporters of Duterte have argued that the figure is small compared to billions lost in anomalies such as flood control projects. But Chua countered that accountability, not size alone, is the issue.
“Sa akin pong palagay, hindi naman po maliit ‘yung ₱600 million,” Chua said, explaining that the committee is examining the matter because if Duterte were to become president, she would be handling trillions in public funds.
This year’s national budget stands at over ₱6 trillion, and by 2028 it could be even higher.
Chua stressed that impeachment proceedings are a way to establish whether Duterte can be trusted with such vast resources.
“Kung ikaw ay pinagkatiwalaan ng worth 600 million na pondo sa iyong departamento at sa iyong opisina, ay papaano pa kaya pag ikaw ay naging pangulo ng Pilipinas kung saan trillion na ang hahawakan mong pondo?” he added.
Chua previously led the 2024 investigation into Duterte’s ₱612.5 million intelligence funds, where it was revealed that ₱125 million was allegedly spent in just 11 days.
Hearings also uncovered questionable liquidation documents and allegations of bribery involving former Department of Education officials.