Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday questioned efforts to exclude certain documents, including Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), from the evidence to be presented in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed that these documents are central to the impeachment complaint, particularly concerning allegations of unexplained wealth.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the SALNs are crucial to the case against Duterte. "Sa ating pagkakaalam, ito iyong pinaka-core eh, ito iyong pinaka-meat ng kaso, ng complaint laban sa kaniya tungkol sa diumanong (As far as we know, this is the core of the case-this is the meat of the complaint against her regarding alleged) unexplained wealth," Castro stated during a Palace press briefing. She further questioned how Duterte could demonstrate her integrity and transparency if such evidence were removed.
Castro also addressed the Palace's stance on the Senate's handling of the impeachment trial, clarifying that while questions have been raised, Malaca±ang will not interfere with the process. "Hindi naman makikialam ang Palasyo, ang administrasyon sa magiging trabaho po ng Senado (The Palace and the administration will not interfere with the work of the Senate)," she affirmed, underscoring the administration's respect for the Senate's independence.
The press officer highlighted the necessity for public reporting and thorough documentation in evaluating government performance, referencing the Vice President's recent accomplishment report. Castro indicated that these reports should be backed by comprehensive records and verifiable data, citing previous findings by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding initiatives by the Office of the Vice President (OVP). She noted that COA had raised concerns about certain OVP projects lacking essential documentation like feasibility studies and evaluation reports.
Castro pointed out previous COA flags on aid distribution, which included incomplete rice beneficiary lists and missing situational reports. "Mga bagay na dapat na isinasagawa otherwise, ikaw talaga ay mapa-flag ng COA at mayroon pa pong mga na-flag na mga tungkol sa distribution ng mga ayuda, kulang-kulang ang listahan ng mga rice beneficiaries, walang mga situational reports or mission orders na magsu-support sa pamimigay ng mga ayuda (These are things that should be properly done; otherwise, you will really be flagged by COA. There have already been flagged issues regarding the distribution of aid-such as incomplete lists of rice beneficiaries and the absence of situational reports or mission orders to support aid distribution)," Castro mentioned.
She stressed the importance of accountability and the need for proper documentation and audit compliance. Castro remarked that verifying the authenticity of reported accomplishments is essential, given past reports of "ghost" beneficiaries and distributions. "Dapat ito ay mabigyan ng basehan kung totoo bang ito ay naipamigay dahil marami na pong naibalita noon na may mga (These claims must be supported by a basis to verify whether they were really carried out, because there have already been reports of) ghost students, ghost vouchers, ghost school materials, ghost food packs)," she said.
In conclusion, Castro highlighted the challenge for the Vice President to provide complete and verified reports, not just numerical accomplishments. "So, sabi nga natin, dapat makumpleto ang report hindi lamang sa numero kaya (we say the report should be complete-not just in numbers so) it would be very challenging for the Vice President," Castro added.
