Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Col. Manaros Boransing II testified Tuesday, September 1, that his certification concerning Philippine Army activities in 2023 contained no mention of any funds from the Department of Education (DepEd).
During the 20th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros questioned Boransing about the certification, which the prosecution said was used by DepEd as justification for its utilization of confidential and intelligence funds.
Hontiveros asked whether Boransing indicated in the certification how much DepEd allegedly spent for the Philippine Army’s activities.
“Your Honor, there was no mention of any funds in the certification that we issued,” Boransing replied.
Hontiveros then clarified whether the certification mentioned any DepEd funds, including regular, confidential, or intelligence funds.
“Yes, ma'am, no mention of any funds in the certification,” Boransing said.
Boransing further testified that no funds were released by DepEd to the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in 2023, including confidential or intelligence funds, for its activities.
“I cannot comment on that, Your Honor. I can only say that there were no funds released to the 1st Infantry Tabak Division in 2023 from DepEd,” he said.
When asked whether his certification attested to the proper use of DepEd’s confidential and intelligence funds, Boransing said it did not.
He explained that the document only certified the participation of DepEd and other stakeholders in the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) and Information Education Communication (IEC) Campaign activities.
“No, ma'am, the certification was [about] their DepEd and other stakeholders' participation in the Youth Leadership Summit and the Information Education Communication Campaign,” Boransing said.
He subsequently confirmed that the certification did not attest to DepEd spending any regular or confidential and intelligence funds for the Philippine Army’s activities.
