House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured the public on Wednesday that a resolution would soon be reached regarding the budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) after Vice President Sara Duterte declined to attend the budget hearings.
Romualdez, speaking to reporters at the Palace, emphasized that the situation would be handled appropriately.
“We are on our last day for plenary sessions and we are still waiting for the OVP… So far, she has not appeared,” Romualdez said. He added that while Duterte’s presence would be valued, the chamber would proceed with the deliberations.
Duterte has opted not to attend the ongoing House panel deliberations, which focus on her office’s budget utilization based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA). In a letter to House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairperson Rep. Joel Chua, Duterte requested an end to the inquiry, arguing that it should be tied to proposed legislation as outlined in the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Appropriations has recommended a budget of P733 million for the OVP for the fiscal year 2025, a significant reduction from the initial P2 billion proposal. House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V indicated that further budget cuts could be expected due to Duterte’s repeated absences.
Ortega expressed his frustration, saying, “I voted for her. I am frustrated.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Romualdez remained optimistic, stating, “We will take this matter shortly and you will soon be informed of its resolution.”