Vice President Sara Duterte skipped a plenary hearing on next year’s Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget allocation, citing confidence in her budget proposal and previously submitted documents.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over her absence, with House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability in light of reports on questionable spending, particularly regarding P73 million from the OVP’s confidential funds.
Critics, including ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, accused Duterte of employing “squid tactics” to divert attention from budget misuse allegations.
Meanwhile, militant groups have begun calls for Duterte’s impeachment, citing her refusal to answer questions during budget hearings and alleged misconduct with public funds.
Protests are planned in the coming week to emphasize demands for accountability in governance.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 24, 2024
