No Secret Funds Diverted to Military for Youth Summits, DepEd Official Confirms

Manila, Philippines – A top education official has categorically denied allegations that confidential funds from the Department of Education (DepEd) were channeled to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to finance youth leadership summits, putting to rest a controversy that has swirled around the agency in recent weeks.

During testimony given on September 1, 2026, as part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the official—identified as Poa—confirmed that no such financial transfers occurred. The statement directly addresses accusations that had surfaced suggesting a misuse of confidential funds earmarked for educational purposes.

The Core Allegation

The controversy centered on claims that DepEd confidential funds were secretly redirected to support AFP-organized youth summits. Such summits, typically aimed at fostering patriotism and leadership among young Filipinos, have become a point of political scrutiny amid broader debates over the use of confidential funds across government agencies.

Poa's testimony appears to have clarified several key points:

• No financial linkage: DepEd funds were never transferred to the AFP for summit-related activities
• Certification scope: Documents certifying participation in youth summits were not intended to support any confidential fund liquidation process
• Agency separation: The education department's budget and military operations remain strictly compartmentalized

Context of the Impeachment Trial

This revelation comes on Day 20 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a proceeding that has captured national attention. The trial has examined various aspects of Duterte's tenure as DepEd secretary, including her management of confidential funds—a subject that has proven contentious since allegations of misuse first emerged.

The confirmation from Poa adds to a growing body of testimony that seeks to clarify the flow of funds during Duterte's leadership of the education department. Sources close to the proceedings indicate that the defense has consistently maintained that all fund allocations followed proper protocols and legal requirements.

Analysis: Implications for the Trial

This testimony carries significant weight for several reasons:

1. Undermines prosecution narrative: The confirmation directly contradicts any suggestion that DepEd resources were used to cultivate military relationships through youth programs
2. Clarifies certification purpose: Poa's statement that certifications were not tied to confidential fund liquidation suggests a misunderstanding or misrepresentation in earlier testimony
3. Reinforces institutional boundaries: The clear separation between DepEd and AFP finances supports arguments that proper oversight mechanisms were in place

Legal analysts following the trial note that this testimony could prove pivotal in shaping perceptions of financial management within DepEd during the vice president's tenure.

Broader Context of Confidential Funds

The issue of confidential funds has become increasingly sensitive in Philippine politics. These allocations, which by nature require less stringent documentation for operational security, have faced heightened scrutiny from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers. The DepEd's confidential funds, in particular, have been a flashpoint given the department's educational mandate and the perceived lack of clear connection between such funds and educational outcomes.

Looking Forward

As the impeachment trial continues, this testimony provides a clearer picture of the financial operations in question. The confirmation that no secret funds reached the AFP for youth summits removes one element from the prosecution's case, though other allegations regarding fund utilization remain under examination.

Observers expect the trial to continue for several more weeks, with additional witnesses scheduled to testify on various aspects of the vice president's handling of DepEd resources. The outcome of these proceedings could have lasting implications for how confidential funds are managed and audited across all government agencies in the Philippines.

For now, Poa's testimony stands as a significant moment in the proceedings—one that clarifies a specific allegation while the broader examination of DepEd's financial practices continues to unfold before the public.