Vice President Sara Duterte has become the center of controversy after Rep. France Castro revealed the alleged spending of P125 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) within just 11 days in 2022. These details were based on a report from the Commission on Audit (COA), which was submitted to the House of Representatives during the deliberations on the OVP’s budget for 2024.
According to the disclosed data, the following expenses were made using the said funds:
- Purchase of information: P14 million
- Payment of rewards: P10 million
- Rental and other expenses for maintaining safe houses: P16 million
- Purchase of supplies: P35 million
- Provision of medical and food aid: P40 million
- Payment of incentives for travel related to confidential operations: P10 million
This issue has sparked heated exchanges, particularly between Vice President Duterte and Senator Risa Hontiveros. Duterte requested P10 million for the printing and distribution of a book that she allegedly wrote. However, the discussion took a personal turn when Hontiveros questioned the content of the book, leading to further controversy.
Tensions escalated today during the budget briefing of the OVP in the House of Representatives. Vice President Duterte questioned the rules of the hearing, as well as the inquiries made by House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro regarding the OVP’s confidential funds for 2022 and 2023. Duterte raised her voice and insisted that she would no longer answer any questions during the hearing.
Sara Duterte's actions have been a disgrace. It would be fitting if Congress allocated zero budget to the OVP, reflecting the need for accountability and responsible governance. Such a decision could serve as a wake-up call for more transparent and ethical leadership. https://t.co/DMbEfJz3bD
— Manifesting everything into perfection ✨ (@znrtpjrt) August 27, 2024
In addition to this, the Vice President also criticized the presence of what she referred to as a “convicted personality” in the House, indirectly pointing to Congresswoman Castro. Duterte remarked, “We are wasting our time here,” emphasizing that she would leave it to the House of Representatives to decide on the OVP’s proposed budget.