Chel Diokno Clears His Name in VP Sara Fund Controversy
ATTY. CHEL DIOKNO — The newly elected congressman and respected human rights lawyer firmly denied allegations linking him to the alleged misuse of Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds.
In a Facebook post on May 23, 2025, Diokno responded strongly to a circulating report claiming that he and actress Marian Rivera each received ₱100,000 from the said funds. Clearly frustrated, Diokno called the accusation “kawalang-hiyaan,” questioning how their names appeared on a supposed list of fund recipients. “Lahat na ba nasa listahan ng confidential funds? Pati ba naman pangalan namin ni Ma’am Marian dinamay nila! Grabe ang kawalang-hiyaan!,” he wrote.
The post included a link to a local news outlet that allegedly obtained receipts used in the ongoing investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds. These documents reportedly listed Diokno and Rivera as among the recipients.
Diokno’s name surfaced shortly after it was confirmed that he, along with Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima, would serve as prosecutors in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte. One of the key issues in the trial is the alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Diokno emphasized that he has never received such funds and condemned the claim as false and damaging.
Meanwhile, Chel Diokno is a respected lawyer, educator, and human rights advocate. He is the founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law and the chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), an organization that provides free legal support to those in need. Known for standing up for justice and fairness, Diokno has long been active in defending human rights and promoting the rule of law in the Philippines. He is also the son of the late Senator Jose W. Diokno, a renowned nationalist and human rights champion. Chel continues his father’s legacy through public service and education.