DDS, or Dutertards (also known as diehard Duterte fanatics), were accused of utilizing the Yolanda funds to relentlessly criticize and undermine the Aquino administration over the years.

In 2014, an allocation of over P17 billion was designated for the recovery and rehabilitation program aimed at communities devastated by the super typhoon in November 2013.

However, the Commission on Audit (COA) reported in the last quarter of 2014 that these funds did not reach the intended typhoon victims.

Subsequently, investigations ensued, and in 2019, during the tenure of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) disclosed that 85 percent of the total PHP4.055-billion fund under the Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) program had been liquidated by concerned local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

RELATED STORY: Duterte’s Son, Paolo, Whines About P2B Budget Cut; Faces Accusations of Receiving P51B in Unprogrammed Funds During Father’s Reign

Meanwhile, during his father’s presidency, Rep. Paolo Duterte’s district in Davao City received a staggering allocation of P51 billion in unprogrammed funds, which occurred in the final three years of the Duterte administration.

For context, according to Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, a congressman typically receives an average of P500 million to P1 billion. However, if a representative receives at least “P2 billion, P3 to 4 billion,” they are already considered a “sacred cow.”

Hence, Paolo Duterte’s P51 billion in programmed funds remains subject to investigation or audit. Whether this will occur is uncertain.