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Advocates Philippines
Lawyers Challenge P125M OVP Confi Funds
Photo credit: Atty. Barry Gutierrez Twitter
A group of lawyers led by Atty. Barry Gutierrez has filed a petition for certiorari against key government agencies, contesting the allocation of ₱125 million in confidential funds to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022.
The petitioners argue that this allocation, shrouded in secrecy, is unconstitutional and demands transparency and accountability from public officials.
The petitioners, including Christian S. Monsod, Ibarra M. Gutierrez III, Maria Cielo D. Magno, Imelda M. Nicolas, Katrina C. Monsod, Ray Paolo J. Santiago, Honorio A. Poblador III, Augusto C. Lagman, Vicente R. Romano III, Rex C. Drilon II, and Miguel V. Jugo, are challenging the Office of the Vice President, represented by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, the Office of the Executive Secretary, represented by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, and the Department of Budget and Management, represented by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.
The alleged unconstitutional allocation of ₱125 million in confidential funds to the OVP in 2022, the petitioners contend, lacks legal basis and violates the principles of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
The legal team, led by Gutierrez, asserts that such allocations should be subject to thorough scrutiny and oversight to ensure that public funds are used judiciously and in accordance with the law.
The petitioners are seeking a writ of certiorari from the judiciary, urging the court to review and nullify the allocation in question. They argue that the allocation not only raises concerns about constitutional legality but also undermines the democratic principles of accountability and transparency that are vital for the functioning of a just society.
The petitioners argue that this allocation, shrouded in secrecy, is unconstitutional and demands transparency and accountability from public officials.
The petitioners, including Christian S. Monsod, Ibarra M. Gutierrez III, Maria Cielo D. Magno, Imelda M. Nicolas, Katrina C. Monsod, Ray Paolo J. Santiago, Honorio A. Poblador III, Augusto C. Lagman, Vicente R. Romano III, Rex C. Drilon II, and Miguel V. Jugo, are challenging the Office of the Vice President, represented by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, the Office of the Executive Secretary, represented by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, and the Department of Budget and Management, represented by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.
The alleged unconstitutional allocation of ₱125 million in confidential funds to the OVP in 2022, the petitioners contend, lacks legal basis and violates the principles of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
The legal team, led by Gutierrez, asserts that such allocations should be subject to thorough scrutiny and oversight to ensure that public funds are used judiciously and in accordance with the law.
The petitioners are seeking a writ of certiorari from the judiciary, urging the court to review and nullify the allocation in question. They argue that the allocation not only raises concerns about constitutional legality but also undermines the democratic principles of accountability and transparency that are vital for the functioning of a just society.
Nov 7, 2023
