Exposed: Fake Names Like 'Chippy McDonald' Used in Sara Duterte’s Confidential Fund Scandal!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) of the Philippines, under Vice President Sara Duterte, has been embroiled in controversy over the disbursement of confidential funds. Investigations have uncovered the use of fabricated names in acknowledgment receipts, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of these expenditures.

Unveiling the Fabricated Identities

A meticulous examination of the OVP's financial records revealed a pattern of fictitious names used to liquidate confidential funds. Notable examples include:

Mary Grace Piattos: This alias combines "Mary Grace," reminiscent of a popular café chain, and "Piattos," a well-known Filipino snack brand. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) confirmed the absence of any birth, marriage, or death records for this individual, indicating clear fabrication. 

Fernando Tempura: An alias inspired by "Tempura," a type of Japanese fried food, raising immediate suspicions due to its unconventional nature.

Carlos Miguel Oishi: This name uses "Oishi," a popular snack brand, as a surname, which is uncommon in the Philippines.

Chippy McDonald: A blatantly fake name combining "Chippy," a popular Filipino corn chip brand, with "McDonald," referencing the global fast-food chain.

Kokoy Villamin: This name appeared in receipts from both the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd). Investigators found no official records of this individual, and the receipts bearing this name had mismatched signatures, indicating forgery. 

Extent of the Fabrication

The PSA's verification efforts extended to 1,992 names listed as recipients of the OVP's confidential funds. Alarmingly, 1,322 of these individuals lacked birth records in the PSA database. Additionally, 1,456 had no marriage records, and 1,593 had no death records, suggesting widespread use of fictitious identities. 

Legal and Political Ramifications

The discovery of these fabricated names has led to significant legal and political consequences:

Impeachment Proceedings: On February 5, 2025, the Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte on charges including misuse of government funds and unexplained wealth accumulation. The impeachment now moves to the Senate, where Duterte could face removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding public office. 

Investigations into Threats: In addition to financial misconduct, Vice President Duterte has been implicated in making public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. These threats have further strained political relations and are under investigation by authorities. 

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

The revelations have sparked public outcry and demands for greater transparency in the use of confidential funds. Lawmakers and civil society groups are urging stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of public resources and to hold accountable those responsible for such fraudulent activities.

In conclusion, the use of fabricated names in the liquidation of confidential funds under Vice President Sara Duterte's office has unveiled systemic issues in fund disbursement and documentation. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards in public office.

2025 Tax Filing Season kick-offs in Quezon City Revenue Region, deadline of filing on April 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 7A Quezon City held its 2025 Regional Tax Campaign Kick-off on March 4 to officially commence its tax campaign activities for the year. 

This year's tax campaign theme, "Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat," aims to encourage voluntary compliance from taxpayers through timely payment of the correct taxes in order to generate funds for the country's economic recovery and development. 

The event was spearheaded by BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. who delivered the Welcome Message encouraging taxpayers to pay the correct taxes. The launch was also graced by the Top tax paying individuals and non-individual taxpayers of each Revenue District Office under the region. Also present during the event were famous media personalities who are advocates of the Bureau’s campaign to collect the correct taxes.

The filing of the 2024 Annual Income Tax Returns (AITR) for RR 7A – Quezon City officially started on January 1 with the deadline being on April 15, 2025. The filing and payment of taxes can be done anywhere –  either electronically through various online platforms of the BIR (eFPs or eBIRForms) that can be accessed through the BIR website (https://www.bir.gov.ph), or through any Authorized Agent Bank (AAB) and the  Revenue District Offices’ Revenue Collection Officers (RCOs).

For inquiries regarding registration, BIR forms, zonal value of properties and the Bureau’s eServices and the eComplaint facility, taxpayers may also use the 24/7 Digital Assistant called “Revie.” For more information, please visit the BIR Website at www.bir.gov.ph or the BIR social media pages.

ARTA Hails the Official Declaration of May as Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has officially declared May of every year as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month through Proclamation No. 818, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 3 March 2025. The proclamation designates the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as the lead agency responsible for overseeing the annual observance of EODB Month.

A significant move to improve bureaucratic efficiency in the country through a whole-of-nation approach, the directive mandates all national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local government units (LGUs) covered under Republic Act No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, as amended, to coordinate with ARTA in implementing programs and initiatives related to the EODB Month celebration. This initiative aims to streamline government processes, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and foster a more business-friendly environment across the country.

May 2025 also marks the seventh (7th) anniversary of the enactment of the Ease of Doing Business Law, which was signed into law on 28 May 2018. To commemorate EODB Month and this milestone, ARTA will organize a series of activities throughout the month to raise awareness, encourage compliance with the EODB Law, and highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance ease of doing business in the Philippines.

As part of its reform agenda, ARTA will continue to strengthen public-private partnerships and recognize LGUs compliant with the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS). These LGUs have demonstrated adherence to the core functionalities outlined in ARTA-DTI-DILG-DICT Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01. As of December 2024, 113 LGUs have been validated as eBOSS-compliant, with ARTA aiming to commend at least 100 more LGUs this year through continuous validation of compliance.

With the proclamation, ARTA will continue to push for the setting up of Business One-Stop Shop for additional priority sectors such as renewable energy, responsible mining, food and agriculture, water treatment and conservation, semi- conductor, mass housing, and ship building. 

To accelerate digital transformation in government services, ARTA will also roll out the electronic Complaints Management System (eCMS) and the corresponding Ease of Doing Business Portal with the use of technology to improve the efficiency of handling and resolving business-related complaints. Additionally, ARTA will continue to train government agencies on the Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS) and the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System (ARTEMIS). These digital tools aim to enhance regulatory transparency, promote data-driven governance, and streamline interactions between businesses and government agencies.

Additionally, ARTA will continue to expand its network of ARTA Champions, building on the 26 new partners in 2024, bringing the total to 36. These ARTA Champions, comprising key representatives from government agencies and the private sector, play a crucial role in addressing ease of doing business and red tape-related concerns.

To further support these initiatives, ARTA will also launch the Philippine Reform Guidebook, based on the B-READY Index, in conjunction with EODB Month and ARTA’s anniversary celebrations. The 2025 Philippine Reform Guidebook will address gaps identified in the 2024 World Bank Group (WBG) B-READY Report and serve as a strategic resource for improving the country’s ranking in the coming years to attract more investments

Through these efforts, the government reaffirms its commitment to advancing reforms that drive economic growth, enhance bureaucratic efficiency, and position the Philippines as a globally competitive investment destination in a Bagong Pilipinas.