VP Sara Duterte declines House panel probe again

Vice President Sara Duterte has again declined to attend a House of Representatives panel investigation into how the Office of the Vice President (OVP) used its budget, including confidential funds.

In a letter dated November 19, Duterte explained her refusal to attend the hearing scheduled for November 20, citing that she was not asked any questions during a previous session on September 18 and expressed sympathy for her subordinates being grilled by lawmakers.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated Thursday that Duterte should personally attend the hearings and take an oath to explain the funds in question, emphasizing that her officials are cited in contempt and ordered detained at the House of Representatives.

Committee chair Joel Chua remains hopeful that Duterte will reconsider attending the hearing scheduled for Monday, November 25, stressing that taking an oath can help clear up questions from lawmakers.

The investigation stems from a COA report on irregularities involving P73.2 million of OVP's confidential fund for 2022 and concerns about classroom construction under DepEd.

Speaker Romualdez urged Vice President Duterte to personally face the panel, stating that she should take an oath and provide explanations as her officials continue to receive contempt citations and arrest orders.