VP Sara, lawmakers figure in heated budget hearing

National

VICE President Sara Duterte was at the center of a tense budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, August 27. The discussion focused on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed P2.037 billion budget for 2025.

Duterte chose not to answer questions about her office’s budget. Instead, she decided to let the House make the decision on the proposed budget. This after Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chair of the appropriations committee, stressed the importance of questioning during the budget process.

Although Duterte avoided directly addressing questions about past confidential funds, she did clarify some issues during her opening remarks.

She said that the OVP does not control the number of security personnel assigned to her office; these are determined by various national defense and police agencies.

Duterte promised full cooperation with the Commission on Audit (COA) in reviewing the use of confidential funds. She noted that they had received audit actions, submitted responses, and would fully cooperate with the ongoing audit.

Tensions rose when ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro asked about the P125 million in confidential funds used in 2022, which included a disallowance of P73 million due to missing documents.

Duterte responded dismissively, accusing Castro of making "snide" remarks and asking for the vice chairman to be replaced. Quimbo rejected this request, reminding Duterte that as a resource person, she could not make such motions.

Duterte also criticized the review of her office’s spending. She expressed confusion over the criticism of how the OVP used its funds, pointing out the contradiction in criticizing government agencies for both efficient and inefficient spending.

Adding to the controversy, Duterte addressed how politics might affect the OVP’s projects. She expressed concern that some proposed initiatives, like a permanent office for future vice presidents and a Vice President Museum, might not happen due to political issues.

She defended the OVP's role and budget, stating that no single government office should dominate public service.

The appropriations committee decided to postpone further discussions on the OVP budget, scheduling the next hearing for September 10. This delay contrasts with the previous quick approvals Duterte had experienced.(MyTVCebu)