The House of Representatives slammed Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte’s visit to Calaguas Island following her nonattendance to the OVP’s supposed 2025 budget deliberation on Monday, September 23.
La Union Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega emphasized the budget deliberation’s importance, stating Duterte’s responsibility as the country’s Vice President. Despite the latter’s absence, Ortega clarified that they are not discussing the possibility of an impeachment.
“Pero parang ang dating tuloy sa mga nangyayari, sa pag snob sa mga hearings, sa pag walk out sa hearings, sa hindi pag take ng oath, sa hindi pag defend ng budget; parang hindi siya interesado sa pag-trabaho at sa pagiging active bilang Vice President,” he clarified.
Moreover, Zambales Representative Jefferson Khonghun expressed his dismay, considering how Congress prolonged their work hours to complete the budget deliberations.
“Talagang nakaka-frustrate. Sana humarap na lang siya dito, tapusin natin yung budget hearing. Pumunta siya dito, i-defend yung budget ng OVP. Gawin niya yung kanyang constitutional mandated responsibility na i-defend yung budget ng OVP,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy House Speaker David Suarez mentioned the number of employees under the OVP. He said that the employees’ well-being should be considered, adding how operating salaries will be distributed if the budget is not properly allocated.
“This is not a matter of personality, but a matter of position that she has been elected to and that she needs to hold dear to her heart, especially the responsibilities that come with it. And some of those responsibilities may be difficult; some of those responsibilities may be hard, but those are responsibilities that have to be done,” the House Deputy Speaker said.
“One of those responsibilities is coming to Congress. Standing for your agency and supporting your budget,” he added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol confirmed Duterte's visit in Calaguas Island on Tuesday through a memorandum dated September 24.
