Duterte VP skips oath, leaves House hearing early

Vice President Sara Duterte refused to take an oath during a House hearing on Wednesday and left proceedings early without answering questions from lawmakers.

During the hearing, panel chair Joel Chua asked resource persons to swear in but was met with resistance from Duterte, who argued that only witnesses need to take oaths.

Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo intervened, citing legal precedents to allow Duterte to remain unsworn after lawmakers conceded they could not question a non-sworn resource person.

Duterte delivered a speech asserting the Office of the Vice President's budget had not been misused and accused the inquiry of being politically motivated ahead of future elections.

The hearing was convened following a privilege speech by Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, who questioned the OVP’s aid programs and beneficiary claims in their 2025 budget proposal.