Duterte VP skips NBI, cites House hearing

Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday, November 29, as she was directed due to her conflicting House hearing schedule.

Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun criticized Duterte for evading issues and called her failure to attend a sign of evasion rather than illness.

Khonghun emphasized that Duterte has continued to avoid addressing controversial issues, including those related to confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Romualdez.

NBI chief Jaime Santiago said Duterte's lawyer requested a rescheduling due to a House committee hearing, which was postponed but will be held on December 11. Khonghun expressed disappointment that the House panel canceled its hearing for Friday morning to accommodate Duterte’s appearance before the NBI.

Khonghun urged Duterte to directly face the subpoena issued by the NBI and noted the contrast between ordinary citizens' compliance with such requirements and her actions as a powerful individual.

Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa said Duterte is willing to cooperate with the NBI's investigation, though it remains unclear whether she will appear before them in person.