MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday questioned the release of P112.5 million funds of the Department of Education (DepEd) despite the absence of an endorsement designating Edward Fajarda as the agency's special disbursing officer (SDO).
During the 10th day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, former LandBank DepEd Branch Manager Nenita Camposano testified that the agency encashed a total of P112.5 million through three checks, each worth P37.5 million.
Tulfo then asked Camposano if Fajarda had shown them documents certifying him as DepEd's designated SDO.
Camposano said they only relied on the documents Fajarda presented during the encashment.
Citing a Commission on Audit (COA) circular, Tulfo said only the agency head or a formally designated person may disburse confidential funds.
"Wow, no! Under the COA circular, it should only be the head of that agency who happens to be the Vice President," Tulfo said.
"Or, if the Vice President doesn't want to, she can designate someone to serve as her SDO. She would then sign a document endorsing that SDO, who, in this case, happens to be Fajarda," he added.
