Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment over alleged fictitious confidential fund recipients

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is being prosecuted in an impeachment trial after House prosecutors alleged that the recipients of her confidential funds, identified as Mary Grace Piattos and Kokoy Villamin, do not exist. The prosecution, led by Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, cited Philippine Statistics Authority records and a National Bureau of Investigation report showing no birth, marriage or death records for the names and suggesting the acknowledgment receipts were forged. The alleged misuse involves about ₱612.5 million.

Adiong also criticized Duterte’s pre‑trial brief, saying it reflected an attitude that she considers herself above the law. He noted that the vice president’s defense listed former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, former aide Ramil Madriaga and over forty other witnesses to testify, while accusing the House of withholding key documents. The Senate Impeachment Court set a pre‑trial conference on June 18 to resolve procedural matters before the trial proceeds.