Manila, Aug. 13 -- Malacanang on Thursday said there is nothing inherently wrong with confidential funds as long as they are used for legitimate purposes, within an agency's mandate, and properly accounted for.

"Walang mali sa confidential funds, kung ito ay nagagamit sa tunay na dahilan or purpose at kung ito ay base sa mandato ng ahensya (There is nothing wrong with confidential funds if they are used for a legitimate purpose and if their use is within the mandate of the agency)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro made the statement as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, continued hearing testimony and evidence from the prosecution and defense, including Commission on Audit (COA) findings on...