Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero questioned Tuesday why the Office of the Vice President rushed to spend ₱125 million in confidential funds in the final days of 2022, noting that the budget was valid for two years.

The issue surfaced on the 18th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio testified on the liquidation of the confidential fund.

During questioning by defense lawyer Mae Divinagracia, Ortonio confirmed that the ₱125 million confidential fund was fully spent by Dec. 31, 2022, based on the liquidation report covering Dec. 21 to 31.

Divinagracia asked whether the fund had therefore been disbursed within 11 days.

“Yes,” Ortonio said, based on the documents presented.

Ortonio explained that the ₱125 million was intended for the last quarter of 2022, covering October through December.

Escudero, who is presiding over the impeachment trial, pointed out that the fund was released late in the year but was still implemented before the end of December.

“Ba't ba kailangan madaliin yan?” Escudero asked, noting that the national government’s annual budget is generally valid for two years.

Ortonio replied that the request was specifically made for fiscal year 2022.

Escudero clarified that the plan submitted by the OVP itself was for the last quarter of 2022.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Ortonio confirmed.

Ortonio said the documents showed that the activities funded by the ₱125 million were implemented until Dec. 31.