Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan tells the impeachment court that alleged misuse of public funds involving Vice President Sara Duterte’s office amounts to a “scam,” during the 12th day of the vice president’s ongoing impeachment trial, according to reports on Aug. 4, 2026. Kapunan makes the characterization while presenting or discussing the prosecution’s claims related to the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds (CFs). The reports say she specifically criticizes the “secret fund” system used by Duterte’s offices to spend and liquidate confidential funds, arguing that the mechanisms involved already indicate wrongdoing. The impeachment proceedings are focused on allegations of improper or unlawful conduct tied to the use of public resources. The outlets summarize Kapunan’s remarks from inside the courtroom but do not indicate, in the provided excerpts, whether the defense responds to the “scam” label or whether the court rules immediately on any issue raised. The statements are presented as part of the prosecution’s case during the trial’s continuing hearings.