House impeachment trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said he is “excited” to confront the mystery surrounding “Mary Grace Piattos,” whose name appeared in acknowledgment receipts tied to confidential fund disbursements of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
The name has become a focal point in congressional investigations into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
Asked whether the defense could present “Mary Grace Piattos” as a witness in the impeachment trial, Adiong expressed doubt, citing government records and forensic findings that he said undermine the existence of such a person.
“Ako nga, excited. Lahat tayo, sino ba talaga si Mary Grace Piattos? Kung makaka-produce sila ng ganong klaseng tao,” he said.
The name surfaced during House inquiries into confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), after appearing in acknowledgment receipts submitted as supporting documents for fund utilization.
Lawmakers later flagged inconsistencies in the receipts, including discrepancies in names, locations, and listed recipients.
Adiong said the prosecution’s position is anchored on evidence gathered during congressional hearings, including documents and testimonies from government agencies.
He cited Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) records showing no registration of any individual named Mary Grace Piattos.
“Based on the evidence we gathered—testimonies and PSA records—wala talagang record ng Mary Grace Piattos,” he said.
He also cited findings from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) forensic experts who examined signatures on the questioned receipts.
“Pare-pareho ‘yung pirma. Iisa lang,” he said.
Adiong said these findings aligned with observations raised during House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearings, where lawmakers noted inconsistencies in documentation.
He said the pattern of irregularities reinforces suspicions that confidential funds were not properly accounted for.
“So it only reinforces our initial suspicion na na-abuse ‘yung confidential funds,” he said.
The receipts are among the pieces of evidence cited in the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, particularly on the alleged misuse of confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary.
Adiong also cited Commission on Audit (COA) findings, which issued notices of disallowance covering portions of confidential funds due to deficiencies in supporting documents, including acknowledgment receipts.
He said the impeachment trial will allow the defense to directly address questions surrounding the identities and legitimacy of individuals listed in the documents.