VP Sara skips House budget hearing, lawmakers call out 'squid tactics'

Vice President Sara Duterte skipped a second House hearing on her office's proposed P2.037-billion budget for 2025, while lawmakers were served champorado with dried squid and sautéed squid with paella negra during the session.

During a previous hearing in August, Duterte avoided answering lawmakers' questions about the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds, prompting Rep. France Castro to liken her tactics to those of a squid releasing ink when cornered.

Castro emphasized that such deflective behavior is unacceptable for budget discussions and hoped the Office of the Vice President would not continue these 'squid tactics'.

Duterte sent a letter to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and panel chair Elizaldy Co stating that necessary documents had been submitted, but neither she nor any representative from her office attended Tuesday's hearing.

Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe accused Duterte of using 'squid tactics' to avoid addressing issues, suggesting a lack of accountability.

Lawmakers found the meal served during the hearing delicious, with Castro praising the baby squid and paella negra.

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