De Lima Suspects a “Game Plan” in Sara Duterte Funds Probe

Former Senator Questions Timing of Ombudsman’s Actions on Confidential Funds Case

Former Senator Leila de Lima is raising concerns about the speed at which the Office of the Ombudsman is handling the investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s use of confidential funds. De Lima suggests a possible strategy to undermine the impeachment trial, questioning the timing and implications of the probe.

Unusual Actions

De Lima expressed worry over the unusual move by Ombudsman Samuel Martires. He ordered Duterte, alongside nine other officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, to respond to allegations of misusing confidential funds. The House good government committee report recommended several criminal charges against them.

De Lima pointed out the swift action by the anti-graft body. She stated that the Ombudsman, under Martires, an appointee of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, was not as prompt in cases involving Duterte’s allies.

“It should have conducted an investigation earlier and filed an impeachment complaint with the House. That is its only jurisdiction over impeachable officials, to investigate them for purposes of filing an impeachment complaint against them,”

—Leila de Lima, Former Senator

Questionable Timing

The House plenary passed the committee report on June 11, and the Office of the Ombudsman received it on June 16. The Ombudsman then ordered Duterte and other officials to respond just four days later. De Lima also noted that Martires is set to retire next month, and the Office of the Ombudsman lacks disciplinary power over impeachable officials.

The former senator views the investigation as questionable, saying it is “too late and redundant for purposes of filing an impeachment complaint and too early for initiating a criminal complaint.”

The report recommended charges including plunder, bribery, fraud, and technical malversation. The House inquiry examined Duterte’s alleged misuse of P625 million in confidential funds from 2022 to 2024. As of 2023, 20% of all government funds were classified as “confidential” (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism).

“Game Plan” Concerns

De Lima speculated about a possible “game plan” by the Ombudsman. She suggested it could involve issuing a ruling of “lack of probable cause” to aid in Sara Duterte’s defense. She also warned that the Ombudsman’s actions might preempt the impeachment proceedings, potentially exonerating the Vice President. She believes that the defense strategy is “to avoid trial, at all cost.”

Should the Ombudsman dismiss the case, De Lima fears it could weaken the case, leading to a motion to dismiss in the impeachment trial. However, she noted this plan could be blocked. The House may directly file an impeachment complaint with the vote of at least one-third of all its members, regardless of the Ombudsman’s actions.