Philippine V-P Duterte faces graft complaint

A group of civilians including two former government officials filed a graft complaint against Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte, in a fresh political challenge for the estranged deputy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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The complaint, filed with the ombudsman’s office on Dec 12, alleged that Ms Duterte and 15 other officials misused 612.5 million pesos (S$13.4 million) in public funds through “coordinated schemes” implemented across both the Office of the Vice-President and the Department of Education, according to a media briefer provided by the complainants.

Ms Duterte headed the Department of Education from mid-2022 until mid-2024.

The group claimed Ms Duterte and the other officials committed criminal violations, including of the anti-graft law, as well as plunder, bribery and malversation.

Ms Duterte’s office did not respond to a request for comment.