VP Sara Duterte skips Nov 20 hearing on confidential funds

Vice President Sara Duterte announced that she will not attend the Nov. 20 House hearing on her office's use of confidential funds.

Duterte cited previous hearings where she reportedly only sat and was not questioned as justification for her decision, emphasizing that attending would be a waste of time.

The Vice President stated that she would send a letter and submit an affidavit under oath regarding the use of confidential funds instead of attending future hearings.

House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khongkun criticized Duterte's move as a 'deliberate evasion of accountability,' noting that ample opportunities have been extended for her to explain the utilization of public funds.

Khonghun emphasized that Duterte attended an initial hearing on September 18 but declined to take an oath, refused to answer questions from lawmakers, and left early after delivering a brief statement criticizing the investigation.

House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega echoed Khongkun's sentiment, warning that continued absence could intensify public doubt and urging Duterte to reconsider her decision for transparency's sake.