Tue Sep 10 16:17:00 UTC 2024: ## Vice President Duterte Accuses Lawmakers of Demanding Kickbacks, Skips Budget Hearing
**MANILA, PHILIPPINES** – Vice President Sara Duterte has accused unnamed lawmakers of demanding a cut from the P5 billion budget she sought for classroom construction while serving as Education Secretary. This revelation sparked a heated exchange with House Appropriations Committee Chief, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, and prompted Duterte to skip the second budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
In a recorded interview released by the OVP, Duterte alleged that lawmakers initially demanded a “cut” from the P5 billion allocated for classroom construction in the proposed 2024 budget. She claimed that after refusing to comply, the budget was increased to P15 billion, with the additional P10 billion allegedly controlled by Co and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“I don’t need a corroborative witness, as you will see it on paper,” Duterte stated, emphasizing that the approved budget clearly reflects the increase.
This incident, she said, solidified her decision to avoid a budget hearing, believing that Co and Romualdez held undue influence over the budget allocation. “Why should we subject ourselves to a question and answer, to attack me while the only ones who will be followed on the budget will be two persons?” she questioned.
Co, during the second deliberation, slammed Duterte’s claims as a “diversionary tactic,” highlighting concerns over the OVP’s use of P125 million in confidential funds over 11 days. He deemed this practice “far worse” than the actions of convicted plunderer Janet Lim-Napoles, who spent her ill-gotten gains over 60 days.
Despite the OVP’s submission of necessary documentation and a detailed budget presentation, Duterte and her staff absent themselves from the second hearing. This led to further scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the implementation of the OVP’s satellite offices, seen as an additional expense to the public.
Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon subsequently moved to defer the termination of the OVP’s budget, proposing revisions and placing certain items on hold.
While acknowledging the frustration caused by Duterte’s absence, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the OVP’s budget sponsor, expressed commitment to defending the budget in the plenary despite limited information regarding its programs.
This incident continues to raise concerns about transparency and accountability within the government, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing budget deliberations.
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