VICE President Sara Duterte is facing criticism from lawmakers over the uncertain fate of 200 employees of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) after the House of Representatives slashed her office’s proposed 2025 budget from ₱2 billion to ₱733 million.
House good government and public accountability panel vice chairman Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun said Monday that Duterte had failed to defend her office’s proposed budget, leaving her staff vulnerable to job losses.
“It’s her responsibility. If she had defended and justified her budget in Congress, these people would not be at risk of losing their jobs. Why is she blaming Congress now?” Khonghun said during a press conference.
The statement comes after Duterte previously warned that the budget cut could lead to the dismissal of 200 contractual employees at the OVP if the Senate upholds the House’s decision.
Khonghun criticized Duterte for refusing multiple invitations to appear before Congress to explain the need for her proposed budget. “We gave her opportunities to fight for and justify her budget, but she chose not to show up. And now she’s pointing fingers at Congress,” he added.
Missed Opportunity to Secure Funding
La Union Representative and Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V echoed Khonghun’s sentiments, suggesting that the OVP’s budget could have been increased if Duterte had been more forthcoming.
“Baka nadagdagan pa ang budget nila kung dinepensahan niya,” Ortega said.
The lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the OVP’s budget utilization. Khonghun pointed out concerns over the OVP’s spending practices and low utilization rate, which contributed to the decision to reduce its allocation.
“How can we increase their budget when they are not being efficient in using their funds or implementing their programs? Common sense dictates we cannot do that,” Ortega added.
Broader Issues of Transparency
The Vice President has also drawn scrutiny over her office’s confidential funds and is the subject of an ongoing House inquiry into the OVP and Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget use during her tenure.
The inquiry, scheduled to resume on November 20, follows Duterte’s refusal to fully cooperate in previous hearings. In September, she declined to take an oath or answer questions about her office’s spending.
Duterte has since said she will not attend further hearings, citing a lack of questions from lawmakers during her previous appearance.
Lawmakers maintain that without clear answers and accountability, retaining or increasing the OVP’s budget for 2025 would be unjustified.
“Transparency and accountability are essential in government spending. Without it, how can we trust the Vice President and her office?” Khonghun said.
The Senate is set to deliberate on the matter, with the fate of 200 OVP employees hanging in the balance.