MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte is like a child hiding from her parents after getting scolded, according to House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, who joined more lawmakers in condemning her decision to skip the 2025 budget hearing of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Tuesday.
Bongalon expressed dismay over Duterte’s absence, saying it was “disheartening” to see the vice president “avoid the scrutiny that comes with public office.”
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“Her actions show a lack of respect not only for Congress but for every Filipino,” he stated.
“If she cannot face the very institution responsible for overseeing government funds, how can she claim to serve the people effectively? Hindi ito ugali ng isang tunay na pinuno; para siyang batang nagtatago kapag napapagalitan,” he added.
(This is not the behavior of a true leader; she’s like a child hiding after being scolded.)
Furthermore, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V also said Duterte’s behavior was unacceptable.
“Her absence is not just an insult to Congress but to the Filipino people who deserve answers about how their money is being spent. This act of snubbing the budget deliberation reeks of a bratty attitude unbecoming of someone holding the second highest office in the land,” Khonghun said.
“Dapat siyang humarap at magpaliwanag, hindi umiiwas na parang bata. Hindi ito ang ugali ng isang opisyal na seryoso sa kanyang mandato,” he added.
(She should face or explain before us and not avoid us like a child. This is not the behavior of an official serious about their mandate.)
For his part, Ortega accused Duterte of “undermining the very principles of leadership and public service by refusing to participate in the crucial budget process.”
In a separate statement, House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre called Duterte’s absence a “gross neglect of her constitutional duty to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.”
“The Vice President’s deliberate snub of the budget hearing shows a blatant disregard for her constitutional duty to answer to Congress and the Filipino people. This isn’t just about skipping a meeting—it’s about intentionally avoiding accountability, which is fundamental to public service,” Acidre said.
“Public service is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. VP Sara’s absence is a remiss of her constitutional duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money. This act of dodging scrutiny undermines the very essence of democratic governance, which relies on checks and balances,” he added.
According to Acidre, Duterte should set an example of accountability as the vice president.
The country’s second-highest official did not attend Tuesday’s hearing on her office’s proposed budget and sent an explanation letter instead to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
Before this, Duterte also brushed off being called a brat, saying that such labels against her were part of attacks from political opponents and critics.
Duterte also maintained that she responded to every question thrown at her regarding her office’s 2025 budget proposal, but that lawmakers simply did not like her replies.
The OVP is requesting a P2.037 billion allocation for 2025.
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