Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing several criminal charges, including plunder, bribery, malversation, and graft linked to the alleged misuse of Php612.5 million in confidential funds.
The complaint was filed by priests, academics, rights advocates, and journalists in the Philippines with the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday afternoon (December 12).
Alongside Duterte, 15 additional individuals are named in the complaint, as reported by Inquirer.net.
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The complaint lists the following respondents:
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Zuleika T. Lopez – Undersecretary and Chief of Staff (Office of the Vice President)
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Lemuel G. Ortonio – Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff, (OVP)
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Rosalynne L. Sanchez – Director for Administrative and Financial Services, (OVP)
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Julieta L. Villadelrey – Chief Accountant (OVP)
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Gina F. Acosta – Special Disbursing Officer (OVP)
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Col. Raymund Dante P. Lachica – Commander, Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group
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Michael Wesley T. Poa – Former Undersecretary, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary, and Head of Procuring Entity (Department of Education)
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Sunshine Charry A. Fajarda – Director for Strategic Management Office and Former Assistant Secretary (DepEd)
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Undersecretary Annalyn M. Sevilla – Undersecretary for Finance Service, Project Management Service, Education Program Management Service, Government Assistance and Subsidies Office (DepEd)
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Gloria Mercado – former Head of Procurement Entity and Undersecretary for Human Resources and Regional Development (DepEd)
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Ma. Rhunna L. Catalan – Chief Accountant (DepEd)
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Edward D. Fajarda – former Special Disbursing Officer (DepEd)
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Ret. Maj. Gen. Nolasco A. Mempin – former Undersecretary for Administration (DepEd)
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Lt. Col. Dennis Nolasco – member of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group
Duterte is under scrutiny from Malacañang and Congress, with growing concerns over her frequent international trips following the arrest of her father, Rodrigo Duterte, by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The elder Duterte is detained at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s drug war.
Critics have highlighted her frequent absences due to travel. Malacañang previously criticized Duterte after she defended her trips, stating overseas Filipinos were discontented with the situation in the country.
Duterte responded to the criticisms by explaining her visits to overseas Filipino communities who are “frustrated with the situation in our country.”
