VP Duterte denies being friends with Pres Marcos, refuses to testify

Vice President Sara Duterte clarified on Wednesday that she and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are not friends despite being running mates in the 2022 elections.

Duterte said they had limited communication mostly during their campaign and at work, with her last conversation with Marcos when she tendered her resignation as Education secretary earlier this year, adding that her true friend is Senator Imee Marcos.

When asked if she would be willing to testify under oath regarding public funds utilization, Duterte refused, saying the inquiry was a 'well-funded political attack' meant to derail her 2028 presidential bid.

Some lawmakers expressed disappointment over Duterte's refusal to testify and questioned whether there is something to conceal.

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability launched an inquiry into Vice President Sara Duterte's utilization of public funds, including her office's P125 million confidential expenses in 2022.