The House of Representatives will fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure, House Good Government Committee Chairperson Rep. Joel Chua assured on Sunday.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires had earlier warned the committee could face contempt if it failed to participate in the probe.
Rep. Chua said his committee is ready to submit supporting documents, including transcripts and other evidence, once Vice President Duterte provides her official response.
“We’re committed to cooperating,” Chua said. “As soon as the Vice President submits her answer, we’re prepared to file our reply and attach the evidence from our committee report.”
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante previously clarified that the House did not file a formal complaint, but only provided the Ombudsman with a copy of its report. Chua emphasized the submission was for transparency, and if the Ombudsman treats it as a complaint, “so be it.”
Chua also praised the Ombudsman’s swift action, calling it unprecedented. “This is likely the fastest the Ombudsman has acted. We’re pleased and will comply with any next steps.”
When asked about the possible impact of a complaint dismissal on ongoing impeachment efforts, Chua explained that the standards differ: impeachment involves different legal thresholds compared to criminal proceedings, where a higher burden of proof is required.