Case Study Scenario: The Use of Confidential Funds by Vice President Sara Duterte
In 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte faced public scrutiny over the allocation and use of confidential
funds within the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which she
also headed. Critics questioned whether the funds were legally appropriated and whether they were
used for purposes aligned with national interest.
During a congressional budget hearing, lawmakers raised concerns about the OVP’s receipt of ₱125
million in confidential funds in 2022 despite no explicit budget allocation for it. Meanwhile, DepEd also
requested confidential funds amounting to ₱150 million for "national security and safety programs" in
schools. Duterte defended the fund utilization, stating that it was crucial for securing students, teachers,
and government interests from security threats.
The issue escalated when state auditors and opposition legislators called for an investigation into how
these funds were spent. Confidential funds are exempt from standard auditing procedures, making it
difficult to ensure transparency and accountability. This led to debates on legality, ethical governance,
and moral responsibility in handling public funds.
Legal, Moral, and Ethical Questions
1. Was the allocation of confidential funds to the OVP without congressional approval in
compliance with the Philippine Constitution and budgetary laws? JERU
2. Did the OVP and DepEd have the legal mandate to use confidential funds, considering their
primary functions? DANIAH
3. Should the Commission on Audit (COA) be given access to detailed records of confidential fund
usage to uphold government transparency and accountability? RACHEL
4. Does the lack of public disclosure on how confidential funds are spent undermine democratic
governance and public trust? GRAYSHELLE
5. Should high-ranking officials be allowed to access confidential funds without a clear breakdown
of expenses, even for security purposes? May Anthonette
6. What mechanisms should be in place to prevent potential abuse of confidential funds while still
protecting national security concerns? Myka
7. Is it morally justifiable to use confidential funds for purposes unrelated to national security, such
as educational programs? EDMAR
8. Given that many Filipinos face poverty, is it morally acceptable for the government to allocate
large sums to confidential funds without full accountability? Queen
9. Should public officials voluntarily disclose how they utilize confidential funds as a sign of ethical
leadership, even if the law does not require them to do so? PAUL