Private prosecution panel member Atty. Lorna Kapunan likened Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds to a scam, with the Filipino public paying the price.
Kapunan made the remarks during a break in Commission on Audit (COA) auditor Roderick Wamil’s testimony before the Senate Impeachment Court.
“Ang ini-scam, eh taumbayan. Ang worth ng scam na ’yan ay ₱612 million,” Kapunan said, pointing to the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (₱500 million) and the Department of Education (₱112.5 million).
To illustrate her point, Kapunan compared the situation to a child tricking a parent for money.
“Pag humingi ka sa nanay mo, ‘Mommy, pengeng ₱5,000, bibili ako ng libro’. Hindi mo ginamit para sa libro. Ginamit mo, bibili ka ng makeup o nag-date ka. Anong tawag doon? In-scam mo nanay mo,” Kapunan said.
“Pag paulit-ulit-ulit ’yan, at hindi mo ginamit ang pera na sinabi mong gagamitin, eh ang tawag doon scam,” she added.
Reporters sought clarification after defense counsel and spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa successfully objected to a similar comment Kapunan made during Wamil’s direct examination, causing it to be stricken from the trial record.
Kapunan stressed that the core issue is missing receipts and lack of proof, rather than the specific aliases listed on acknowledgment receipts.
“Hindi naman tayo nag-e-emphasize ng pangalan. Ang pino-point out natin ’yung amount at kung saan ginamit. Walang resibo,” she said.
“Kahit sinong pangalan ’yan, saan ginamit? Ano ang ebidensya na ginamit sa medicines? Ano ang ebidensya na ginamit sa supplies? Ano ang ebidensya na ginamit sa safe house?” Kapunan added.
She also dismissed claims that Duterte is being unfairly targeted despite other government agencies having confidential allocations.
“Ang kaso ngayon ay tungkol sa Vice President at sa DepEd Secretary at tungkol sa confidential funds niya,” she said.
She noted that allegations involving other public officials should be handled in separate legal actions.
“Kung meron man kayong gustong public official na imbestigahan ang confidential funds, file-an ninyo ng kaso,” Kapunan added.