Chua: Ombudsman order affirms House findings on Sara Duterte OVP funds

Rep. Joel Chua —HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PHOTO.

MANILA, Philippines —  The Office of the Ombudsman’s move to initiate the preliminary investigation on the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte shows a “strong affirmation of the weight and integrity of the findings submitted by the House of Representatives,” a lawmaker said on Sunday.

Last week, the Ombudsman ordered Duterte and other officials to respond to the complaints initiated by the lower chamber. The vice president’s office confirmed the receipt of the order on June 20.

“It is both unusual and significant that the Ombudsman proceeded directly to preliminary investigation and issued subpoenas to the respondents —skipping the usual fact-finding phase – all within the same week that we furnished them with a copy of the Committee Report,” Manila Rep. Joel Chua said in a statement.

READ: Ombudsman to Sara Duterte: Respond to misuse of funds complaints

“This kind of swift response sends a clear signal: the Ombudsman has found prima facie evidence to warrant a preliminary investigation on the basis of the Committee Report,” he added.

Chua headed the committee on good government and public accountability — the panel that launched a probe into the budget and fund utilization of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

Citing the committee, the lawmaker pointed out that no formal complaint was filed but a copy of the report was furnished to the Ombudsman, as earlier revealed by House of Representatives Spokesperson Princess Abante.

“The Ombudsman acted purely on the strength of our Committee Report. We have not yet even attached or submitted the supporting evidence for the Committee Report. That alone speaks volumes,” Chua said.

The lawmaker also mentioned the change in Ombudsman’s stance with its chief, Samuel Martires earlier stated that “he saw no grounds to investigate the Vice President.” Chua said this could be due to the “facts uncovered by the committee” that “could no longer be ignored.”

“Since the Ombudsman has effectively treated our Committee Report as the initiating complaint, we are prepared to fulfill our role as the complainant and ensure the process is based on truth, fairness, and accountability,” he added.

“The Ombudsman will need to see the evidence supporting the Committee Report. We want to make sure this is not just a speedy process—but a credible one. We will cooperate fully to ensure that all parties are given fair and reasonable opportunity to present their side, as we likewise present the truth uncovered through months of legislative inquiry,” he stressed.

“Ultimately, this is about accountability. We are not rushing to judgment. But we owe the Filipino people a full and impartial investigation—and we are committed to seeing it through,” Chua concluded. /jpv