The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has officially confirmed that it has no birth, marriage, or death records for the names "Mary Grace Piattos," "Kokoy Villamin," and "Milky Secuya." These names were reportedly associated with confidential fund expenses of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022.
PSA Testimony in House Committee Hearing
During a hearing by the House Committee on Justice, PSA assistant national statistician Marizza Grande stated that only the name "Irene Tan" had matching records in their database. However, she noted that this is a common name with multiple entries, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific individual. For the other names, the PSA classified them as "negative records," meaning no existing documents were found in their system.
Context of the Names in Confidential Funds
The names surfaced in receipts submitted to the Commission on Audit as part of the OVP's confidential fund expenses for 2022. This has sparked controversy, with some lawmakers questioning the legitimacy of these names. In particular, "Mary Grace Piattos" has drawn suspicion due to its similarity to a popular restaurant and snack brand, leading to doubts about whether it represents a real person. Some legislators have even offered rewards for anyone who can identify this individual.
Response from the Vice President's Camp
In response to the allegations, the office of the Vice President has suggested that these names might be aliases or pseudonyms used for security purposes in confidential operations. This explanation aims to address concerns over the lack of verifiable records, though it has not fully quelled the ongoing scrutiny from government officials and the public.
The confirmation by the PSA adds a new layer to the investigation into the use of confidential funds, highlighting potential issues with documentation and transparency. As the House Committee on Justice continues its inquiry, further details may emerge regarding the handling and accountability of these expenses.
