MANILA, July 29 -- The confidential classification of PHP612.5 million entrusted to Vice President Sara Duterte does not place its handling beyond transparency, scrutiny, and accountability, House of Representatives prosecutor and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila De Lima said Wednesday as she opened the prosecution's presentation on the confidential funds released through the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

"That the budget is intended for confidential operations does not mean that the conduct of officials involved in the handling of people's money is exempted from the demands of transparency, scrutiny, and accountability," De Lima said in her opening manifestation.

She introduced the ...