VP SARA DUTERTE composite image from Inquirer file photos
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte “has the obligation” to explain the questionable names found on the receipts used to justify the use of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) confidential funds, a Palace official said on Monday.
Duterte was the former head of the education department. Lawmakers found odd names such as “Amoy Liu,” “Fernan Amuy,” and “Joug De Asim” on DepEd’s receipts. The Filipino word “asim” means “sour” in English.
READ: Duterte-led DepEd’s secret fund receipts have ‘odor’ names – lawmaker
On Monday’s briefing, Palace Press Officer Clare Castro said, “We believe that VP Sara has the obligation to tell something … about these discoveries.”
“There are already many reports about fake receipts allegedly issued by VP Sara’s office,” Castro said in Filipino. “So, it would be better… since she says that we should have transparency, it would be best for her to explain this first.”
READ: Palace to Sara Duterte: Don’t forget your VP duties
This was not the first time the Palace asked Duterte to explain the questionable names found on the list of recipients of the confidential funds of the agencies she led.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been under scrutiny as more alleged fake recipients of its confidential funds were uncovered.
The questionable names found on OVP’s receipts include “Jay Kamote” and “Miggy Mango.”
Duterte is currently in The Hague in The Netherlands as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing a case at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.
She said in a previous interview that she would not return to the Philippines until she sets up a legal team for her father and until a next of kin arrives in The Hague.