MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday, December 13, 2025, brushed off fresh plunder and graft complaints filed against her and 15 others over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds as “another fishing expedition,” accusing critics of recycling baseless allegations to manufacture legitimacy for investigations and divert attention from larger corruption issues.
The complaints, lodged Friday at the Office of the Ombudsman by a group of civil society leaders including priests, academics, and former officials, allege Duterte orchestrated schemes to divert and conceal funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd) in 2022-2023. Charges include plunder (for ill-gotten wealth exceeding P50 million), bribery, malversation, graft, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.
Duterte’s camp, through PDP spokesperson Ferdinand Topacio, called it a “harebrained political stunt” by a “panic-stricken” administration fearing her 2028 prospects. Malacañang denied involvement, noting complainants like Fr. Flavie Villanueva and former Finance Usec Cielo Magno are Marcos critics.
Key Allegations in the Complaint
- Funds Involved: P500 million (OVP) + P112.5 million (DepEd).
- Modus Operandi: Irregular vouchers, fictitious recipients (e.g., “Mary Grace Piattos”), and unauthorized disbursements to AFP officers.
- Respondents: Duterte, OVP’s Zuleika Lopez, Lemuel Ortonio, and others; former DepEd officials like Michael Wesley Poa and Annalyn Sevilla.
The Ombudsman is conducting preliminary investigations; no formal charges yet.
Duterte urged focus on economic woes: “Let us continue to be strong… pray for peace.”
This revives 2024 controversies that fueled her impeachment (later voided by the Supreme Court), amid her rift with Marcos allies.
Respondents Snapshot:
| Name | Role/Position |
|---|---|
| Sara Duterte | Vice President/Former DepEd Sec |
| Zuleika Lopez | OVP Chief of Staff |
| Lemuel Ortonio | OVP Assistant Chief of Staff |
| … (13 others) | OVP/DepEd officials |