Vice President Sara Duterte again did not attend the House plenary budget debates, setting conditions for her appearance, including requiring President Marcos to also attend to defend the Office of the President’s budget.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) sent lower-ranking officials, which the House rejected, delaying the discussion of the OVP’s proposed ₱902.895 million budget.
Budget sponsor Rep. Jose Alvarez expressed frustration over the absence of a senior OVP official and said he was left to defend the budget alone.
Duterte also demanded a Department of Justice document lifting an immigration lookout order on several OVP personnel before attending.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers called for Duterte to waive parliamentary courtesy and face questions regarding confidential fund expenditures and other issues within her office.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 3, 2025
