VP Duterte Faces Possible Plunder Raps

Batangas Rep. and lawyer Jinky Luistro told the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday that Vice President Sara Duterte could face plunder charges for the misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte headed until July. “Dalawang Pasko ang lumipas na nilustay ang perang ito,” said Rep. Luistro. “Ito ay malinaw na halimbawa ng pandarambong—hindi lamang maling paggamit ng pondo, kundi sistematikong pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan.” P50 million is the threshold for plunder, a capital offense.