Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for showing “troll behavior” during the House hearing on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2026 budget.
Co, who raised questions about the funding for Duterte’s staff and security personnel on foreign trips, was met with the vice president’s counter-question on whether she was related to Rep. Zaldy Co, who has ties to controversial flood control projects.
Kabataan later accused Duterte of dodging legitimate issues, including the unexplained ₱125 million confidential funds flagged in past audits.
Despite the tension, the House appropriations committee swiftly endorsed the OVP’s ₱902.8-million proposed budget for 2026, a 21% increase from the previous year.
Duterte explained that only two security escorts and three staff members join her on official trips, clarifying that the Armed Forces recommends more personnel than her office approves.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 17, 2025
