OVP official confirms transfer of confidential fund control to security chief under Duterte's directive

The special disbursing officer of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has confirmed that she transferred control of confidential fund disbursements to the OVP's security chief, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, following Vice President Sara Duterte's directive. During a House hearing, SDO Gina Acosta stated that Lachica is responsible for managing these funds due to his knowledge of project implementation. This admission follows previous claims that security officials were handling confidential funds, raising concerns about accountability. The Commission on Audit has flagged irregularities in the OVP's financial activities, including a notice of disallowance for P73.2 million of its P125-million confidential fund for 2022. Lawmakers have questioned the legitimacy of these expenditures and the use of fictitious names in financial documents.