Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for accountability from officials involved in the use of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) P112 million confidential funds for 2023. She emphasized that officials cannot simply evade responsibility, particularly in light of recent statements made by DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla. During the House deliberations on the department’s proposed P793 billion budget for 2025, Sevilla claimed the department was unaware of how these confidential funds were used.
Hontiveros criticized the allocation of substantial funds to an agency primarily focused on education rather than surveillance, stating it was a “misguided” decision from the beginning. She recalled that the DepEd had provided institutional support and justification for the confidential fund requested by then-Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte.
“If the department itself cannot explain how the confidential fund was used, and the former secretary is avoiding questions about it, our doubts only intensify,” Hontiveros said. She added that any officials involved in the improper use of these funds must be held accountable.
The senator has urged the Senate Select Committee on Confidential and Intelligence Funds, Programs, and Activities to investigate the matter. She also called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to provide updates on the use of these funds, emphasizing the public’s right to know how taxpayer money is spent.
GMA News Online has reached out to Vice President Duterte and the Office of the Vice President for a response to Hontiveros’ remarks but has yet to receive a reply. Duterte served as Education Secretary from July 2022 until her resignation on June 19, 2024, after which Senator Sonny Angara was appointed as her successor.