Two members of the House of Representatives have called on Vice President Sara Duterte to attend the November 20 House panel inquiry, arguing that her sworn affidavit does not adequately address questions about the budget use of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under her leadership.
“‘Yung sworn affidavit is not enough. Marami pong katanungan… na gusto rin po namin malinawan (Her sworn affidavit is not enough. There are many questions we want clarified),” said House Blue Ribbon Committee chair Rep. Joel Chua during a press briefing.
Duterte’s Previous Attendance Criticized
Duterte had earlier expressed her reluctance to appear at the hearing, describing her initial attendance as unproductive.
“Inimbita nila ako noong una, pumunta ako… Nasasayang ang oras ko (They invited me before, I went, but my time was wasted),” she said, referring to her first appearance, during which she was not questioned.
Taguig Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora, however, emphasized that Duterte had attended a previous House QuadComm hearing to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during an investigation into drug war killings. Zamora argued that the Vice President could do the same for the budget inquiry.
A Missed Opportunity?
“If she doesn’t arrive, even with her sworn affidavit, she loses her chance to clarify these issues,” Zamora added. “If she can defend herself, she should come.”
The House panel has raised concerns about budget utilization within both the OVP and DepEd, underscoring the need for Duterte to personally address these matters.
Duterte’s absence, combined with questions about her previous attendance where she refused to take an oath, has heightened scrutiny over her refusal to engage directly with lawmakers in this inquiry.