Vice President Sara Duterte has formally declined to attend the November 20 House hearing investigating the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget usage, including confidential funds. In a letter addressed to Hon. Joel R. Chua, Chairperson of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, Duterte clarified her reasons for her absence, citing past attendance where she was not questioned by the committee.
Previous Invitation and Attendance
In the letter dated November 19, 2024, Duterte explained that she received the invitation to the hearing on the same day it was issued. She emphasized that she had only been invited to a similar hearing once before—on September 18, 2024—where no questions were directed at her, leading her to request to be excused. Duterte noted that the lack of inquiry during her previous attendance made her decision to skip the upcoming session reasonable.
Request for Documentation
Duterte stated that she would not attend the November 20 hearing and respectfully requested that her letter be included in the official records of the committee. By opting for written communication, Duterte appeared to underscore her cooperation in record-keeping while avoiding in-person engagement.
The House investigation centers on how the OVP allocated its budget, particularly confidential funds, amid public scrutiny over transparency in government spending. Critics have raised concerns about Duterte’s decision to avoid direct participation in the hearing, as it could appear evasive. However, her office has maintained that her prior appearance and formal written responses demonstrate her commitment to accountability.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.