Knights of Rizal Event Surfaces in Sara Duterte Confidential Fund Records

MANILA, Philippines - An activity involving the Knights of Rizal was thrust into the spotlight during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after a Commission on Audit official testified that several activities cited by the Office of the Vice President in connection with confidential fund expenditures did not fall within the authorized uses of such funds.

COA auditor Xylene Mae Del Campo testified that the OVP listed a December 15, 2022 activity involving the Knights of Rizal Supreme Council and the 60th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute in Baguio City, described as a youth campaign on patriotism, as one of the activities connected to its confidential fund expenditures. Del Campo said activities such as these were not included among the categories authorized under the joint circular governing confidential funds.

At the time, the Knights of Rizal was under the leadership of Angono, Rizal Mayor Gerardo Calderon, who was serving as Supreme Commander. A Department of Education memorandum concerning the 60th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute identified Calderon as Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal in an August 1, 2022 communication inviting youth leaders to participate in the conference.

The 60th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute was an established youth program associated with the Knights of Rizal that focused on Rizalian ideals, patriotism, and youth leadership. Official education-sector notices invited students and youth leaders to participate in the 2022 conference.

The reference to the Knights of Rizal event emerged as Del Campo detailed several activities that the OVP reportedly cited in connection with confidential expenditures. Other activities included Christmas gatherings, tree-planting activities, consultations with transport groups and persons with disabilities, and an appreciation night.

The auditor’s testimony is part of the impeachment proceedings examining allegations surrounding Duterte’s use and liquidation of confidential funds while serving as vice president and, previously, as education secretary.

The issue raised by the COA testimony centers on why the OVP classified or cited an openly conducted youth and patriotism-related activity in connection with confidential expenditures, when such funds are supposed to be used only for purposes authorized under government rules.

The Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization established under Republic Act No. 646 to promote the teachings, ideals, and example of Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal.