Vice President Sara Duterte has responded to ongoing criticisms regarding her office’s budget spending, asserting that she does not seek advice from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, when dealing with her detractors.
During a press conference held at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Duterte emphasized that she is capable of defending herself. Referring to her father’s known temper, she said, “From PRD, really? You think he would give advice? He will likely just say, ‘punch him,’ ‘set him on fire.’ PRD is a jarhead, we all know that.”
Duterte also assured the public that she is prepared to address the allegations against her, particularly concerning the spending of millions of pesos in confidential funds. “I have done nothing wrong. But if they think otherwise, then bring the matter to impeachment or to the court, I will answer it,” she stated.
The vice president has been under scrutiny for the Office of the Vice President’s use of P125 million in confidential funds in 2022, with the Commission on Audit (COA) disallowing P73 million due to the irregularity of the disbursement. Despite this, Duterte remains unfazed, asserting her ability to answer any accusations thrown her way.
“There are times that I opt not to answer… because it gets tiring. But when it comes to a fight, you can count on me to fight,” Duterte concluded.
