TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the notarization of documents for confidential fund liquidations by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
During a House committee hearing on good government and public accountability, Atty. Rochelle Abella admitted to notarizing certifications without the personal appearance of affiants, including Vice President Sara Duterte, a direct violation of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Acidre emphasized that such violations render notarizations invalid.
The congressman also questioned Atty. Abella’s jurisdiction, as her notarial commission is registered in Manila, while the documents involved were for offices in Mandaluyong and Pasig. “This is clearly outside the jurisdiction of your notarial commission,” Acidre pointed out.
Acidre noted discrepancies in the personal appearance of affiants and raised concerns over potential favoritism.
He questioned why Atty. Abella consistently handled notarizations for confidential fund documents, describing the process as “pro forma” and potentially intended to mask irregularities.
The inquiry revealed that certifications for OVP’s confidential fund liquidations from December 2022 and parts of 2023 were notarized under questionable circumstances.
Acidre also flagged a potential conflict of interest, as Atty. Abella, while contracted by the OVP, also notarized DepEd documents, where Vice President Duterte was a common signatory.
The congressman called for stricter adherence to notarial laws and a deeper investigation into the liquidation of confidential funds, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public service.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
