DepEd Denies Funds for Youth Summit Linked to VP Office

MANILA, Philippines – Colonel Manaros Boransing II of the Armed Forces of the Philippines testified before the impeachment court that there was no evidence of direct fund releases from the Department of Education (DepEd) to the 2023 youth summit organized by the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Colonel Boransing stated that no confidential or general funds from the OVP, the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), DepEd, or other offices associated with Vice President Sara Duterte were channeled to the youth summit. This testimony is part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings, which have raised questions about the utilization of public funds, particularly concerning events aimed at youth engagement. The OVP has consistently maintained that the summit was funded through its own resources and has denied any direct financial contributions from DepEd. Transparency and accountability in the use of public funds are critical issues in Philippine governance. For initiatives involving youth and education, stringent financial management is essential to maintain public trust. Colonel Boransing's testimony could be a significant piece of evidence in the impeachment trial, potentially influencing its outcome. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo