Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the House Quad Committee on Wednesday, joining her father former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was addressing questions from lawmakers in connection with his war on drugs policy and related issues.
The second incumbent highest public official appeared at the joint congressional inquiry around 4:00 p.m. Her presence was acknowledged by Quad Comm lead chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
VP Duterte attended the congressional hearing after securing the approval of the Senate on the proposed 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). She held a press conference to thank senators for greenlighting the OVP budget and comment on the ongoing Quad Comm probe.
When asked if she expects a “fair hearing” from the House lawmakers, the younger Duterte said: “Of course, not. I do not expect fairness… because it’s clearly a political persecution.” It is not yet clear whether the Vice President would also testify at the ongoing Quad Comm hearing.
VP Duterte said her father’s presence at the congressional probe was a “personal decision,” which she respects. She also issued a statement in response to her father’s remark, challenging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate him.
“When it comes to President Duterte… The ICC has been pursuing him over the alleged EJKs (extrajudicial killings) during his administration. Why? Well, one would think perhaps if you are being pursued, there is something they want you to lose,” she said mostly in Tagalog.
“Do I worry about the former president? I don’t think na pupunta siya diyan kung sa tingin niya hindi niya kaya or mahina siya (he will go there if he thinks he is weak), health-wise. So, he’ll be OK,” VP Duterte added.
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