Duterte VP faces deferred budget hearing over absences

Vice President Sara Duterte's Office of the Vice President (OVP) faced a deferred budget hearing for its proposed PHP2.037 billion funding request for 1Q 2025, following her absence from both scheduled meetings with the House Appropriations Committee.

Lawmakers debated whether to continue or terminate questioning regarding the OVP's budget proposal after Duterte did not attend and refused to answer questions during previous hearings, leaving an impression that she is either not interested in her agency’s programs or unaware of proposed projects.

Party-list Rep. France L. Castro called Duterte's boycott of the hearing a clear violation of her oath of office, opening herself up to further scrutiny and potentially making her impeachment more likely.

Deputy Minority Leader France L. Castro recommended cutting the OVP's budget due to concerns over misuse of funds and overlapping services with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre assured that the OVP will receive a budget responsive to its mandate despite Duterte’s absence, while other lawmakers like Pablo Ortega of La Union stated they would consider past utilization rates in determining an appropriate budget for the OVP.