VP Sara told: Enough with the drama, face OVP fund probe

SHE WON’T LEAVE. Vice President Sara Duterte accompanies her chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez as they leave St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in a tense episode in the standoff that started Friday night between Duterte and the House leaders who earlier ordered Lopez detained. — NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V on Sunday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s “recent outbursts and dramatic behavior,” urging her to face the probe into the alleged misuse of her office’s confidential fund (CF).

In a statement, Ortega said Duterte should explain how she spent the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) CF instead of “resorting to theatrics that for the most part made no sense.”

“If she is capable of making bold statements that seem nonsensical, then she should also be able to face the Blue Ribbon Committee and explain the use of the P612.5-million confidential funds. Enough with the drama and trickery,” Ortega said in Filipino.

Last Friday night, Duterte revealed during an online press conference that she had instructed an individual to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were to be killed.

“I already talked to a person. I told the person, ‘If they kill me, kill Bongbong Marcos, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez.’ No joke, no joke. I’ve left instructions,” she said in Filipino.

Malacañang announced on Saturday that the Vice President’s remark constitutes an “active threat” and has been referred to the Presidential Security Command for “immediate proper action.”

READ: Sara Duterte’s kill remark vs Marcos is ‘active threat’ – Palace

Ortega stressed that such behavior is “unbecoming of a vice president.”

“Instead of making seemingly unintelligible threats, she should use that energy to clarify the serious allegations surrounding her office,” he added.

He also pointed out that if Duterte had nothing to hide, she would have the courage to face the Blue Ribbon Committee and attend the hearings on the OVP’s CF.

“This is her chance to show the Filipino people that she values accountability and governance. If you’re brave with your words, I hope you’ll also be brave in providing an explanation,” he said.

READ: VP Duterte declines invite to House hearing

“Public accountability is not a performance. It’s about honesty, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. Enough with the drama, face the Blue Ribbon committee.”

READ: House probe retraces bulk withdrawals of confidential funds