On September 10, SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta moved to terminate the budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in the House of Representatives, citing “tradition” and “respect” as reasons to quickly approve the proposed budget. However, his motion was rejected with 3 votes in favor and 45 against, leading to the suspension of the session.
Vice President Sara Duterte did not attend the hearing, her second absence during discussions on her proposed 2025 budget of P2.037 billion. Duterte’s office submitted a letter instead, stating that necessary documentation had been provided and that they defer to the committee’s discretion on the budget proposal.
Rep. Marcoleta referenced a past tradition where the OVP and the Office of the President received swift approval of their budget proposals. He expressed frustration over the questioning of Duterte’s budget, particularly her request for confidential funds, and asked whether the committee had “lost respect for tradition.”
Despite Marcoleta’s appeal, the committee voted overwhelmingly to continue the hearing. “Madame Chair, I thought we have kept the tradition?” Marcoleta questioned, as lawmakers proceeded with the session.
The OVP has faced scrutiny regarding its confidential funds, with Duterte previously avoiding direct answers during the first budget hearing. Duterte has since called the hearings political attacks against her, claiming that only two individuals control the national budget.