Following a contentious budget discussion with senators and congressmen, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III urged Congress to demonstrate genuine authority over Vice President Sara Duterte’s proposed P2 billion budget for 2025.
Pimentel emphasized that Duterte has consistently stated she will defer to Congress on the budget, and Congress should act decisively rather than merely appearing tough during hearings.
He highlighted the Vice President’s constitutional role in potentially stepping into the presidency and stressed that the budget should support essential preparations for this responsibility.
Pimentel also pointed out that the 1987 Constitution outlines the Vice President’s duty to be ready to assume the presidency if needed.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 2, 2024
