The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has initiated an investigation to assess the administrative accountability of two active military officers accused of receiving significant amounts of confidential funds from offices led by Vice President Sara Duterte.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla identified the officers as Colonels Dennis Nolasco and Raymund Dante Lachica, both serving in the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).
“This investigation is ongoing. The AFP is examining the case to determine any administrative issues that may arise,” Padilla said during a press briefing. “If there are findings, we will act accordingly,” she added.
Earlier, disbursement officers from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) revealed in a congressional hearing that millions in confidential funds were transferred to the two military officials.
Related Developments:
Vice President Duterte has denied any misuse of OVP funds, dismissing the congressional inquiry as a “test case” for impeachment proceedings against her.
On Monday, advocacy groups filed the first impeachment complaint against Duterte, which was endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña. The complaint accuses her of constitutional violations, graft, corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
A second impeachment complaint is expected to be filed on Wednesday. Duterte has yet to issue a response to these legal actions.