A party-list lawmaker criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her actions during a congressional budget hearing, accusing her of avoiding transparency regarding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget.
Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers party-list stated that Tuesday’s hearing on the proposed P2.037-billion budget for the OVP was unproductive after Duterte declined to answer questions about the use of the OVP’s confidential funds. “Nakita natin ‘yung tunay na ugali ng ating VP. Feeling niya underdog siya,” Castro said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
Castro accused Duterte of evading accountability and transparency by refusing to respond to the House committee’s inquiries, adding that Duterte’s actions denied the public their right to information. “Parang ayaw niya ng accountability, transparency. Pinigilan niya ang taumbayan ng right to information,” she added.
During the hearing, Duterte also requested that the chairperson of the Finance Committee preside over the session instead of the designated Senior Vice Chairperson Rep. Stella Quimbo. Castro described this move as unprecedented, stating, “Ngayon lang kami nakakita na isang resource person na magdidikta sa committee.”
Castro suggested that half of the OVP’s proposed budget should be removed, citing several programs not under the Vice President’s mandate, including her book publication and aid distribution, which are covered by other departments like the DSWD, DOH, DTI, and TESDA.
In response to Castro’s comments on the OVP’s use of P125 million in confidential funds over 11 days, Duterte criticized Castro for retaining a congressional seat despite a conviction related to child abuse charges.
Some congressmen have criticized Duterte for her alleged “lack of respect” for transparency and the principles of checks and balances regarding her office’s budget. However, Duterte countered that she had been informed of an alleged script among congressmen aimed at discrediting her over the OVP’s use of confidential funds.
The next hearing on the OVP’s budget is scheduled for September 10.