HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday called on Vice President Sara Duterte to personally attend the ongoing House inquiry into her office’s use of confidential funds (CF).
Romualdez argued that Duterte should explain the spending herself, rather than leaving her staff to face lawmakers’ questions.
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Albay province, Romualdez responded to Duterte’s recent remarks expressing dismay over her personnel being “dragged” into political controversies.
“She should have taken the oath and explained. It seems her officials don’t know the details; she’s likely the only one who does,” Romualdez said in Filipino. “That’s why she should talk—this responsibility shouldn’t fall on her staff.”
Lawmakers Echo Call for Duterte’s Appearance
Several lawmakers supported Romualdez’s call, urging Duterte to attend the hearings to clarify the issues.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said that Duterte’s presence is essential to settling the allegations. “No less than the OVP’s chief of staff said she didn’t have anything to do with the confidential fund issue,” Bongalon noted. “If we apply the process of elimination, only VP Sara and a few key officials can clarify the matter.”
1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez added that Duterte’s claim of persecution was unwarranted. “The House panel is simply doing its job,” Gutierrez said. “If she feels her staff are being unfairly questioned, the solution is for her to participate directly.”
Allegations and Issues Raised
During Wednesday’s House hearing, lawmakers raised multiple concerns over the OVP’s confidential fund use, including:
*Discrepancies in acknowledgment receipts for CF disbursements.
*Senior OVP officials denying knowledge of CF-related transactions.
*Questions about the improbability of same-day disbursements across multiple regions.
*Allegations that OVP staff involved in CF disbursements were being hidden.
At the hearing’s conclusion, Duterte’s chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, was cited for contempt after requesting the Commission on Audit (COA) to withhold audit observations from the House.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said such interference could have obstructed the House’s investigation. “If COA had followed the request, it would have blocked our access to OVP records,” she said.
Duterte Decries “Persecution”
In response, Duterte accused some politicians of targeting her office to gain a political advantage. She said her staff were unfairly caught in the crossfire of political rivalry.
“My colleagues in the OVP are not politicians. They’re dedicated government workers being affected by political moves against me,” Duterte said on Wednesday.
Despite her statements, lawmakers insisted that her direct testimony would help resolve lingering questions about the funds.
The House committee on good government and public accountability continues its inquiry, with calls growing louder for the Vice President’s participation.