The Office of the Vice President (OVP) sought confidential funds from the Department of Budget and Management in 2022 after finding no records that the office had such funds during the tenure of former Vice President Leni Robredo, an OVP official said Tuesday.

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio confirmed the matter during the 18th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Private prosecutor Atty. Mae Divinagracia asked Ortonio whether Robredo had confidential funds during her term.

“Based on the records that we have, there’s no records of confidential funds,” Ortonio said.

Divinagracia then asked whether the absence of confidential funds from the previous administration prompted the OVP to request an allocation from the DBM when Duterte assumed office in 2022.

“Yes,” Ortonio replied.

He also confirmed that the request was formally submitted to the DBM through a letter.

“Letter request, yes,” Ortonio said.

The testimony establishes that the OVP’s request for confidential funds in 2022 was based on the office’s records showing no existing confidential fund allocation from Robredo’s administration.