THE House of Representatives has refuted Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent claim that the ongoing investigation into the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd) is driven by political motives.
During a press conference on Tuesday, several prominent lawmakers—Good Government Committee Chair Joel Chua and Quad Committee (Quad Com) leaders Representatives Robert Ace Barbers, Dan Fernandez, and Bienvenido Abante Jr., along with the so called young guns Representatives Jefferson Khonghun and Rodge Gutierrez—emphasized that the purpose of the hearings is to uphold accountability and transparency.
The House panel’s objective, they asserted, is to clarify the alleged misuse of confidential funds, ensuring the truth is brought to light.
“I just want to know the truth and the facts about how the Office of the Vice President spent its confidential fund, as well as the spending of the Department of Education under VP Sara regarding her confidential fund,” Khongun said.
The Quad Com leaders also announced the cancellation of a hearing initially scheduled for November 13, 2024, to provide adequate time for vetting witnesses.
This hearing was intended to address concerns about extrajudicial killings (EJKs), illegal drugs, and the operation of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Lead chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Barbers confirmed that notification of the cancellation was sent on Monday night to all invited resource persons, including former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Barbers added that the committee is awaiting a formal response from Atty. Martin Delgra, Duterte’s legal counsel, regarding the former President’s attendance at future hearings.
This development reflects the House’s commitment to thorough and fair proceedings, as lawmakers underscore their focus on transparency rather than political agendas in handling sensitive national issues.