00:00Philippine Vice President Sarah Duterte's office used confidential funds meant for surveillance
00:05operations on activities including Christmas celebrations and tree planting, according to
00:10a state auditor. The claim was made during Duterte's impeachment trial, which resumed today.
00:17The auditor, Zailin Mediacampo, said about US$2 million in confidential funds given to Duterte's
00:25office in 2022, were also used for Thanksgiving events, meetings with transport groups and the
00:30distribution of wheelchairs. Del Campo said this breached government rules which limit confidential
00:36funds to intelligence and surveillance work. Some of the events had also taken place before the funds
00:42were released, which is not allowed under audit rules. The alleged offence is one of the four
00:48impeachment charges against Duterte, who has denied the allegations. Duterte is also accused of
00:54threatening the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If found guilty, she could be barred from
01:00holding public office, including running for president in 2028. The trial resumes on Wednesday.
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