Andaya slams Diokno’s non-appearance at House budget hearing

MANILA, Philippines — Camarines Sur 1st District Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. has slammed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno for not attending the House Committee on Appropriations hearing.

“I appeal to your manlyhood (sic), you are actually destroying the integrity of your department by not explaining things properly. Stop using technicalities, because for now, what’s coming is that you’re a liar and a coward,” Andaya, who heads the committee, said before the hearing on Friday ended.

“Please, we will give you one more time and please explain. […] Kahit kalagitnaan ng kampanya, kita-kita tayo ulit (even in the middle of the campaign period, we will still see each other),” he added.

READ: Diokno won’t attend House panel hearing on Friday

Andaya also warned people involved in alleged anomalies that they may be charged in the future, citing instances in the past where charges were filed against officials of the previous administration.

“After Erap (former President Joseph Estrada), kinasuhan lahat (charges were filed), after GMA (House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo), kinasuhan, after PNoy (former President Benigno Aquino III), kinakasuhan na (charges were filed),” Andaya reminded officials, adding that he is certain it will happen again.

The lawmaker’s challenge came after Diokno cited a House rule which states that individuals asked to attend hearings should be given a fair amount of time to be notified.

A statement from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) informed House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that they will cooperate, although they invoke the right for proper notice.

“The Subpoena Ad Testificandum signed by House Speaker Arroyo and Committee on Appropriations chair Rep. Andaya was received by the DBM 11 a.m., Thursday morning with the hearing scheduled the next day, Friday at 10 a.m.,” Diokno said.

READ: LOOK: House issues subpoena vs Diokno, DBM officials

This is not the first time Diokno was called to explain before the committee. Andaya claims that it’s the sixth time the secretary was asked to appear before the committee.

Earlier, the House committee heard the statements of DBM and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials regarding the P75 billion allegedly inserted by the DBM in the budget.

The House and DBM have been at odds regarding insertions in the 2019 proposed national budget, which delayed the passage of the budget bill and left the government operating on a reenacted budget.

The bicameral conference is expected to approve the proposed budget later today, with both chambers of the 17th Congress looking to ratify it before the day ends. /ee

READ: Bicam ‘breakthrough:’ 2019 budget to be ratified by Friday – Legarda