Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo and Albay First District Representative Edcel Lagman discuss confidential and intelligence funds during the House plenary session on Sept. 25, 2023. (Images from a House of Representatives livestream)
MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party will not impose any sanctions on Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo for her defense of the confidential funds that the House of Representatives allotted for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which is also led by Vice President Sara Duterte.
The party president, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, made the statement on Saturday in response to reporters who asked him about the issue.
READ: OVP secret funds spent in 11, not 19, days – Quimbo
“The foregoing decision was unanimously reached by the ManCom [Management Committee] of the party,” Lagman said.
“The enduring tradition of the Liberal Party is to allow its members to take independent views on national issues in recognition of a member’s freedom of expression and dissent.”
“Although it has to be noted that she has later conceded that the utilization and audit of secret funds must be made more transparent and officials made more accountable,” he added.