Two possible grounds were identified for Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte’s impeachment, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairperson and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said on Monday, October 28.

The House Chairperson cited graft and corruption, and the betrayal of public trust as two of the potential grounds to push for the VP’s impeachment. Chua’s citation of the cases came amid the ongoing investigation into her alleged misuse of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) funds.

The Committee has been investigating VP Duterte’s confidential funds during her time as DepEd Secretary since September this year. Chua noted that the investigations were done in aid of legislation. However, recent findings led to the discovery of the OVP spending P125 million in confidential funds within 11 days, in late 2022.

The Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the act, leading to a notice of disallowance for P73.28 million of the P125 million in the improper use of funds. Moreover, the COA directed Duterte and other OVP officials to settle the disallowed amount, shortly after.

In December 2022, the OVP paid P16 million to rent 34 ‘safe houses’. Chua highlighted the lack of receipts and details, as there was no confirmation of the said transaction’s legitimacy.

“Ito pong ginagawa niya hindi pa ba betrayal of public trust? Pinagkatiwalaan ka ng pondo tapos ‘di ka sumusunod, ‘di ba? Hindi mo ginamit ‘yung pondo para sa ayos,” Chua said.

All the grounds laid against VP Duterte, if proven, could be constituted as grounds to move for the former’s impeachment. However, Chua noted that their findings could only be used as grounds to file a case against the VP, but refrained from concluding her impeachment. According to the Committee Chair, the VP could still address the allegations publicly.