VP Sara Duterte composite image from Inquirer stock and House of Representatives of the Philippines photos
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said she would not attend the House hearing on the alleged misuse of her office’s funds, and urged the lower chamber to “terminate” its probe.
In a letter dated Sept. 23 and made public by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday, Duterte said the hearing was “unnecessary” and was based on “unsubstantiated allegations” made by Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano during his privilege speech.
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Duterte said such claims can be “easily verified” through accomplishment reports submitted by the OVP and Commission on Audit reports.
“Clearly, the conduct of a formal inquiry or hearing on the matter is unnecessary,” read Duterte’s letter addressed to House committee on good governance chair Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua.
“In fact, the invitation of the committee itself lacks any clear legislative objective or contemplated legislation that is expected as an outcome of the deliberations,” she added.
Duterte also argued that the House’s Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation do not conform to the 1987 Constitution as the rules do not distinguish between “inquiry” and “investigation” and “persons” and “witnesses.”
“It must be emphasized that ambiguous rules or unconstitutional rules of procedure are violative of the right to due process of persons appearing before committee hearings,” she claimed.
House inquiries “should not be adversarial nor prosecutorial and should recognize the right of persons to refuse to participate in the crafting of laws,” she added.
She also noted that the House “cannot compel people to participate in the legislative process and such right is protected by the Constitution.”
Duterte also told the House that issues pending before the Supreme Court should not be discussed before the lower chamber as it is a violation of the rule on sub judice.
“Considering the aforementioned, I reiterate my request to terminate this inquiry immediately. Commenting on the matter may directly or indirectly impede, obstruct or degrade the administration of justice,” she said.
“The OVP has been filing its Comments in response to the various petitions filed before the Supreme Court,” she added.
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Last Sept. 18, Duterte attended the first part of the inquiry. However, the Vice President refused to take an oath to be truthful in the probe and claimed that the inquiry was a “well-funded and coordinated political attack” against her.
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