House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V on Monday expressed concern regarding reports and photos circulating on social media, alleging that Vice President Sara Duterte was vacationing at Calaguas Island while the budget deliberations for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) were ongoing in Congress.
“If these reports are accurate, it is deeply concerning that the Vice President chose leisure over fulfilling her official constitutional duties to the nation. The budget deliberation is a critical process, one that ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” said Ortega of La Union.
The lawmaker continued, “The budget of the OVP is not just a number; it represents the people’s money. The Vice President should be present to answer questions and justify the allocations, especially since her office plays a significant role in national governance.”
He stressed the importance of public officials demonstrating accountability and responsibility, especially when it comes to taxpayers’ money.
“While acceptable reasons for absence include personal emergencies or health issues, choosing to relax at a beach resort during a pivotal moment in Congress is a clear disregard for the responsibilities of her position.”
This developed as Duterte opted not to attend the plenary deliberations on the OVP budget for 2025 on Monday.
In a letter addressed to Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong, the designated sponsor of the OVP’s proposed P2 billion budget for 2025 in the House plenary, Duterte said the OVP submitted “all” the needed documents to the House Committee on Appropriations regarding its budget request. Duterte’s letter was dated September 11, and was received on September 16.
She said the letter was also sent to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and the House appropriations chair, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
“In consideration of the foregoing, the OVP leaves the deliberation of our budget proposal in the plenary entirely to the pleasure of the House of Representatives,” Duterte wrote.
Ortega, along with Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan cited the need for heads of agencies like Duterte to come to Congress to defend the proposed budget of her agency.
“Budget bill is an important piece of legislation, and even if she will not be able to attend and defend her budget to Congress she should have at least send her representatives,” Libanan told the newsmen.
Ortega also pointed out the potential negative impact of Duterte’s alleged absence, particularly in delaying the budget deliberations. “This isn’t just about one office—delays in discussions affect public trust in government institutions and hinder the delivery of essential services to the people.”
Adding to his concerns, he noted that a representative from the OVP who appeared in Duterte’s place lacked formal authorization and failed to provide an explanation for her absence. “Congress deserves the proper respect and transparency when it comes to official deliberations. Sending someone without any clear authorization or explanation does not help the situation.”
He said concluded by calling for a proper clarification from the Vice President regarding her whereabouts and the reasons for her absence. “The Filipino people deserve an explanation. Public officials, especially those in high office, should lead by example in accountability, responsibility, and commitment to duty. We urge the Vice President to address this matter with urgency and transparency.”
