Observe inter-parliamentary courtesy, senator told

MANILA, Philippines — Two administration lawmakers reminded Sen. Joel Villanueva yesterday that while he has invoked “tradition” in being lenient to the budget of the Office of the Vice President, he may have forgotten about the time-tested inter-parliamentary courtesy in the bicameral Congress.

“Senator Villanueva’s remarks about the House of Representatives’ treatment of the OVP budget blatantly disregard the long-standing tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy,” Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said, highlighting the “violation” he committed among senators and congressmen.

“Each chamber has its autonomy, and we expect the senator to respect the House’s jurisdiction in the same way that we respect the Senate’s role,” Bongalon said.

Villanueva last week criticized the House for slashing Vice President Sara Duterte’s proposed P2-billion budget for 2025 to a mere P733 million, after the controversial first budget hearings on Aug. 27 and when she snubbed the second Sept. 10 deliberations.

“Instead of questioning the competence of the House, perhaps he should direct his concerns toward his fellow senators in their upcoming deliberations. Could it be that he anticipates difficulty defending his stance against more experienced and well-versed senators?” Bongalon asked.

Assistant Majority Leader Bongalon, along with Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre, emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in inter-chamber relations, noting that Villanueva’s frustrations should be addressed within his own chamber.

Acidre likewise advised Villanueva to “just concentrate on fortifying his arguments on the Senate floor, where the real discussions on the national budget will take place.”

“Rather than casting aspersions on the House for fulfilling its sworn duty, Sen. Villanueva should just allow us to craft the budget on our own terms and in the way we see fit. They will have their turn too. By then, he should make his sentiments known,” he said.

Acidre noted that budget deliberations are central to the responsibilities of both chambers of Congress.