FACT CHECK: Fake list of confidential fund recipients from VP Sara trial circulates online

A fabricated list of 22 alleged recipients of confidential funds linked to Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has been circulating online, but fact-checking has confirmed it to be false. The graphic, patterned after impeachment trial cards created by Philstar.com, has been altered with fictitious names. The viral fake list includes numerous names that appear to be aliases or outright fabrications, such as "Miggy Mango," "Chippy Mcdonald," and "Annie Gher." Some social media users have suggested these names could be aliases due to the "confidential" nature of the transactions, with comments defending the list's authenticity. However, Philstar.com debunked the altered graphic in an August 4 post, stating that the edited image contains fabricated names not present in their original graphic. The authentic graphic, published by Philstar.com on August 3, lists only 11 names found in acknowledgment receipts tied to the confidential and intelligence funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which align with official Senate records and livestreams. These 11 names are: Mary Grace Piattos Renan Piattos Nova Santos Mico Harina Janice Marie Revilla Patty Ting Andi Lim Alejandro Pikit Feonna Biong Sisfrunio Balsac Gabriel Bisaya During the 11th day of Duterte's impeachment trial, the Commission on Audit's findings regarding the confidential and intelligence funds of the departments she handled became a point of discussion. This began with the prosecution's direct examination of state auditor Roderick Wamil. Among the issues discussed were the names found in the acknowledgment receipts submitted for the liquidation of these funds. House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan humorously questioned state auditor Roderick Wamil about these names during her examination. The following day, she concluded her direct examination of Wamil by calling the use of these confidential and intelligence funds a "scam." Wamil testified that aliases are neither prohibited nor recognized under the 2015 joint memorandum circular outlining guidelines for handling confidential and intelligence funds. Rappler has previously fact-checked other disinformation related to Duterte's impeachment trial, including claims about COA auditor's remarks on OVP confidential funds, spliced videos misrepresenting statements, and AI-generated videos of trial proceedings. Source: Rappler Philippines