ON
← Back to feed
[EDITORIAL] ’Wag na ’wag nating sukuan ang pagbabantay sa pera ng bayan
PH🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive8/17/2026

[EDITORIAL] ’Wag na ’wag nating sukuan ang pagbabantay sa pera ng bayan

The article is an editorial published by Rappler criticizing the lack of public oversight over government spending, particularly concerning the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2026 holiday season. It highlights the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in their daily lives, such as rising costs and poor infrastructure, which make it difficult for them to monitor government budgets. The piece calls for continued public vigilance despite these difficulties, arguing that people cannot afford to lose interest in how their taxes are spent. It also criticizes the mindset of government officials and private sector contractors who prioritize self-interest over transparency.

A witness has testified that former Vice President Sara Duterte lacked legal authority to use confidential funds for personal purposes or security during her tenure as vice president or head of the Department of Education (DepEd). The testimony came from a state auditor who asserted that neither the Office of the Vice President (OVP) nor the DepEd had the mandate to conduct “confidential operations” while Duterte held those positions. This claim adds to ongoing scrutiny over the use of public funds under Duterte’s leadership. The allegations emerged during a hearing related to the proposed 2027 national budget, which includes several questionable funding allocations. These include P10.773 billion in confidential and intelligence funds, known to be difficult to audit, and P112 billion in unprogrammed funds, which can be used for unspecified projects. Additionally, there is P107.4 billion allocated for flood control through the Department of Public Works and Highways, which has been linked to misappropriated funds in previous years. The total government spending request for 2027 stands at ₱7.2 trillion, raising concerns among watchdogs and lawmakers. The controversy surrounding the use of confidential funds dates back to Duterte’s time as vice president, when she oversaw both the OVP and DepEd. According to the witness, the funds were intended for sensitive operations, such as intelligence gathering or counterterrorism efforts, and should not have been diverted for personal or administrative expenses. The state auditor emphasized that the misuse of these funds could undermine public trust in government institutions and weaken accountability mechanisms. Public concern over financial transparency has intensified in recent months, with many citizens struggling with daily challenges such as rising costs of living and inadequate public services. As a result, there is growing pressure on lawmakers to ensure that public money is spent responsibly and transparently. However, some critics argue that the current system allows for unchecked spending, particularly when large sums are allocated without clear oversight. The debate over budget transparency reflects broader frustrations with governance. Many Filipinos feel that their voices are not adequately heard in decisions affecting their lives. With inflation and economic instability creating additional hardships, the need for accountability has become more urgent. Yet, despite calls for reform, there remains a perception that political leaders prioritize self-interest over public welfare. As the committee hearings for the 2027 budget begin, the focus will shift toward scrutinizing how funds are allocated and managed. Lawmakers are expected to examine the justification for each item in the proposed budget, including the controversial confidential and unprogrammed funds. Civil society organizations and independent auditors are likely to play a key role in monitoring the process, though they face challenges in ensuring compliance with strict confidentiality rules. The upcoming hearings represent a critical moment for fiscal accountability. If the government fails to address concerns over the use of public funds, it risks further eroding public confidence. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the nation moves closer to greater transparency or continues down a path of financial opacity. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the allocation of resources and the integrity of those responsible for managing them.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

Advertisement

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

3 reports

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/11/2026
Diokno: If trolls insist I got Duterte’s CF, then OVP used it wrongly

Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno responded to allegations by online trolls claiming he received confidential funds from Vice President Sara Duterte's office. He stated that if these claims were true, it would suggest that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) misused its allocated resources. Diokno, who served as a public prosecutor during Duterte's impeachment trial, made this statement on Tuesday.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Diokno's response to allegations without taking a stance or using biased language. It reports his claim that misuse of funds might have occurred but does not favor either side of the issue.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the prosecution's challenge regarding the physical impossibility of distributing funds nationwide on the same day. It references the acknowledgment receipts and the use of the Superman analogy, which is consistent with the primary source.

Why objectivity (85): The article uses a metaphor (Superman) to highlight the absurdity of the situation, which introduces a slight subjective element but still maintains overall neutrality in presenting the facts.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 658/17/2026
[EDITORIAL] ’Wag na ’wag nating sukuan ang pagbabantay sa pera ng bayan

The article is an editorial published by Rappler criticizing the lack of public oversight over government spending, particularly concerning the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2026 holiday season. It highlights the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in their daily lives, such as rising costs and poor infrastructure, which make it difficult for them to monitor government budgets. The piece calls for continued public vigilance despite these difficulties, arguing that people cannot afford to lose interest in how their taxes are spent. It also criticizes the mindset of government officials and private sector contractors who prioritize self-interest over transparency.

Bias read (Progressive): The editorial frames the issue of government accountability as a moral imperative, emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of officials' actions. It uses emotionally charged language ('we’re too busy trying to survive', 'gustong-gusto ng mga kawatan') and implies that those in power act in self-dec

Why factuality (85): The article discusses public concern over government spending and upcoming budget hearings, aligning with the general theme of civic engagement. It does not directly reference the primary source document but presents a common narrative found in similar media reports. The content is plausible and ref

Why objectivity (65): The tone is emotionally charged, using phrases like 'Huwag! Please, huwag tayong mawala ng pakialam!' which convey strong sentiment. While the article provides context about budget hearings, it frames the issue through an advocacy lens rather than presenting a neutral analysis.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 65Objective 708/13/2026
Witness: Duterte had no basis to use secret funds as VP or DepEd chief

A state auditor testified that Vice President Sara Duterte did not have the authority to use confidential funds for personal activities or security while serving as head of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) or the Department of Education (DepEd). The auditor stated that neither the OVP nor DepEd had the mandate to carry out 'confidential operations' during her tenure in those roles. The testimony suggests potential misuse of funds and raises questions about the proper handling of sensitive financial resources within government agencies.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a violation of protocol and accountability, which aligns with left-leaning critiques of executive power and transparency. While the subject involves a high-profile political figure, the emphasis on institutional oversight and legal boundaries suggests a leftward tilt,

Why factuality (65): The article reports a witness testimony from a state auditor regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's use of confidential funds. Since there is no primary source document available, factuality is judged based on consistency with the cross-source consensus. The claim that Duterte had no basis to use s

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the witness testimony neutrally, focusing on the assertion without expressing personal opinion or bias. It frames the issue as a legal matter rather than taking sides, maintaining a relatively objective tone.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories