VP Sara ‘nag-beach’, no-show sa budget hearing

MANILA, Philippines — Ikinabahala ni House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Paolo Ortega ang kumalat sa social media na pagbabakasyon umano sa Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte ni Vice President Sara Duterte pero nabigong makadalo sa deliberasyon ng panukalang pondo ng Office of the Vice President (OVP) noong Lunes, Set­yembre 23.

“If these reports are accurate, it is deeply concerning that the Vice President chose leisure over fulfilling her official constitutional duties to the nation. The budget deliberation is a critical process, one that ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” pahayag ni Ortega.

“We actually waited for 17 hours since 10 a.m. of September 23 up until mag-a-alas-3 na po September 24,” sabi naman ni Kabataan partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel.

Iginiit ni Manuel ang kahalagahan na maipaliwanag ni Duterte ang panukalang P2.037 bilyon na hinihingi ng kanyang tanggapan at kung papaano nito ginastos ang mga naunang inilaang budget sa OVP.

“The budget of the OVP is not just a number; it represents the people’s money. The Vice President should be present to answer questions and justify the allocations, especially since her office plays a significant role in national governance,” sabi naman ni Ortega.

Binigyan-diin ni Ortega ang pangangailangan na magpakita ng accountability at maging responsable ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno lalo na pagdating sa paggastos sa pondo ng bayan.

Para kay Manuel, ang ginagawa ni Duterte ay malinaw na “betrayal of public trust” dahil lahat umano ng halal na opisyal ay dapat mayroong pananagutan at dapat sumagot sa mga tanong na may kaugnayan sa interes ng publiko.

Dahil hindi sumipot si VP Duterte ay nabalam ang deliberasyon sa plenaryo.

“While acceptable reasons for absence include personal emergencies or health issues, choosing to relax at a beach resort during a pivotal moment in Congress is a clear disregard for the responsibilities of her position,” dagdag pa nito.