The Office of the President on Monday countered Vice President Sara Duterte’s claims that the administration abandoned her office, stating it was she who distanced herself from the government.
Palace Denies Allegations of Neglect
During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Duterte’s remarks made in Hong Kong over the weekend, where she claimed that the government turned its back on the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Castro clarified that Duterte was given ample opportunity to defend her proposed 2025 budget before Congress but failed to do so.
According to Castro, lawmakers reduced the OVP’s budget due to the Vice President’s absence during the deliberations. She pointed out that Duterte had the chance to explain her budget proposal but did not seize it.
“That’s what they want people to believe, that the OVP is pitiful, that we should feel pity for the Vice President,” Castro said. “In fact, she was given the opportunity to defend her proposed budget. She was not prevented from securing proper funding for the OVP, provided she could justify it.”
Responsibility to Justify the Budget
Castro stressed that the burden of defending the OVP’s proposed budget lies with Duterte. She compared the process to defending a thesis, where the author must provide justification instead of expecting automatic approval.
“Just like in a thesis, if you submit one, you have to defend it. You can’t just tell the panel to give you a grade without explanation,” Castro added.
She further stated that no one in the administration abandoned Duterte, emphasizing that it was her decision to step away from government affairs.
“No one left her. It was she who abandoned the government,” Castro asserted.
Political Ramifications of the Budget Dispute
The budget controversy surrounding the OVP has sparked debate about Duterte’s role in the administration and her political future. With tensions between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s camp mounting, the issue has raised speculation about her position in the coming years.
Critics argue that her absence during the budget deliberations reflects a lack of leadership and accountability. Supporters, however, claim that the administration deliberately sidelined her to weaken her influence.
As the dispute unfolds, political analysts believe this conflict could significantly impact the 2025 elections, particularly regarding Duterte’s political alliances and aspirations.
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.