Liberal Party mulls action vs Quimbo over OVP's confidential funds issue

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 7:30 p.m.) — Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo's defense of the confidential funds, particularly those allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, as well as the Maharlika Investment Fund, has ignited controversy within the Liberal Party, according to LP President Edcel Lagman (Albay representative)

Quimbo's stance, in direct opposition to the collective position held by the party's leadership and ranking members, has prompted a demand for sanctions against her.

"The defense of [Quimbo] of the confidential funds, particularly of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, and the Maharlika Investment Fund, contrary to the collective position of the leadership and ranking members of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, has resulted in some clamor to sanction Rep. Quimbo as a Party member," Lagman said.

"Although it has to be noted that she has later conceded that the utilization and audit of secret funds must be made more transparent and officials made more accountable."

Quimbo revealed during budget plenary debates at the House of Representatives that the OVP spent its P125 million confidential funds in just 11 days — even shorter than the 19 days initially detailed by Makabayan lawmakers.

Duterte later clarified that it took 19 days for the fund to run out, without much details on how it was spent.

Lagman said that no sanction was imposed and Quimbo is still a member of LP, highlighting that it allows its members to take independent views on national issues in recognition of freedom of expression and dissent.

"The foregoing decision was unanimously reached by the ManCom of the party, together with some district representatives, and Rep. Edcel Lagman, as president of the party, was authorized to issue this statement," the solon said.

Philstar.com already reached out to Quimbo regarding the matter but has yet to issue a response as of press time.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez this week defended the lower chamber's decision to realign the confidential and intelligence funds sought by Duterte to agencies tasked with the defense of the West Philippine Sea.

Editor's note: An