VP Sara urges President Marcos to control budget, reject lawmaker interference

Vice President Sara Duterte said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should not allow lawmakers to interfere with the national budget, which originates from a bill proposed by the executive branch.

Duterte emphasized that the President should control the budget and ensure it aligns with development plans discussed at various levels of government.

She also stressed that legislators should not be allowed to meddle in budget decisions and that the President must stay informed about what is happening.

The Constitution mandates Congress to scrutinize the national budget submitted by the President, as both branches are equal under the law.

Vice President Duterte's attendance at congressional budget hearings has been penciled in but will depend on her schedule; she is set to appear before the House and Senate in September.

Duterte has previously faced criticism for refusing to answer lawmakers' questions during budget deliberations last year, leading to an impeachment case that was later ruled unconstitutional.