The head of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority urged Vice President Sara Duterte to use her own money to publish her book instead of seeking P10 million in government funds under the 2025 budget.
“That is her story. Why doesn’t she use her own money instead to publish her book?” CEZA administrator Katrina Ponce Enrile said in an interview during the “Leslie Bocobo Live” program aired over Radyo Pilipinas.
Enrile said request for public funds under the General Appropriation Act must undergo scrutiny and proper deliberation.
“As government officials, we have to set an example…Even if funds have been allocated, these are still subject to scrutiny,” she said.
“It is the prerogative of senators to ask questions especially if it involves the money of the people. This (book publication) involves public funds, so why should it not be subjected to scrutiny?” Enrile added.
Duterte on Tuesday traded barbs with Senator Risa Hontiveros over the P10-million budget allocation for the production and distribution of “Isang Kaibigan” – a children’s book authored by the Vice President.
The argument ensued during the ongoing deliberation of the P2.037-billion budget of the Office of the Vice President budget for 2025.
“Her problem is that my name is on the book, which will be given to children. And those children have parents who are voters. And my name will be spread throughout wherever those books will go,” Duterte said, insisting the senator’s concerns were politically motivated.
Hontiveros, however, maintained her inquiry was legitimate and purely in line with her duties as a legislator.
“I don’t understand the attitude of our resource person. It is a simple question. She repeatedly says this is politicizing. The VP mentioned the word vote. I never said anything about voting. I’m simply asking. I can’t imagine we’re making so much trouble, so much fuss about a P10 million item,” the senator said.
“Simple question: Tell us more about the book. How many copies will the government buy at a value of P10 million and distribute with bags to 1 million learners in remote communities? For the record, this is public funds. And we’re making inquiries. This is a budget hearing. This is not about you (Duterte).”
“We all know as members of different parties, our speeches to our party members during party congresses are a separate event from the budget debates. So I really take exception to what the VP said that this is an example of politicizing,” Hontiveros added.
