15 Boxes of 'Confidential Funds' Documents Presented in Vice President Duterte Trial

MANILA, Philippines—The House prosecution team on Monday brought before the Senate impeachment court 15 boxes of documents pertaining to “confidential funds” allegedly released to Vice President Sara Duterte. Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan mentioned about the 15 boxes labeled as "confidential funds" after calling to the witness stand, Roderick Wamil, a former state official. Confidential funds are allocations that can be made to certain government agencies, particularly the Office of the Vice President and the Department of National Defense. Their use is often kept confidential, with limited public disclosure requirements. However, this lack of transparency has frequently drawn public scrutiny and criticism. The presentation of these documents marks a significant step in the investigation into the Vice President's use of 'confidential funds,' amid growing calls for greater transparency. The issue of confidential funds has been a recurring topic of debate in the Philippines, attracting significant public interest. This development is being closely watched as it could shed light on the accountability and proper utilization of public funds designated for sensitive purposes.