Senator Risa Hontiveros seeks clarity on the P10M Children's Book Budget and faces accusations of political hearings from VP Sara Duterte.
Senator Risa Hontiveros was accused of politicizing the session when she asked for a straight answer regarding the children's book that was allotted funds for the Office of the Vice President in 2025.
“Madam Chair, this is an example of politicizing the budget hearing through the questions of a senator. Ang problema niya kasi, nakalagay ‘yung pangalan ko doon sa libro. At ‘yung libro na ‘yan, ibibigay namin doon sa mga bata na may mga magulang na boboto,” Duterte said.
Arjan Aguirre, a political expert, speculates that lawmakers would target Vice President Sara Duterte during budget hearings in an effort to cause more harm. The book Isang Kaibigan (A Friend), which is a component of the OVP's "PagbaBAGo Campaign" that involves the distribution of one million bags, was unknown to Senator Hontiveros.
“Hindi ko maintindihan ‘yung ugali ng ating resource person. Paulit-ulit na this is politicizing. Ang VP ang nagbanggit ng salitang boboto. Wala akong sinabing boboto.
Duterte talked about her 2016 chat with Hontiveros, who supported her bid for the Senate. She asked former Davao City congressman Milen Garcia about his interactions with President Duterte and the lessons he acquired from him.
President Duterte was questioned by Senator Grace Poe, the chair of the Senate committee on finance, on her budget request of P2.037 billion for 2025, an increase of 8.05% from the present allotment of P1.885 billion. She questioned the OVP's "parallel" nature to the ongoing initiatives and duties of other government agencies, questioning the healthcare, livelihood, and funeral and medical assistance projects, among others. Hontiveros requested that the Vice President take into account placing the finances for these initiatives under line agencies so that the OVP may make requests for funding that correspond with the priorities of the executive department. Duterte asserted that the OVP has its own initiatives to fight the politicization of government programs, particularly social assistance.
Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines' vice president, has come under fire for endorsing the DSWD's AICS, which offers a range of support services. A number of senators, particularly those close to the Duterte family, solely supported the Vice President during the budget hearing. Hontiveros questioned Duterte about her budget request during the contentious budget hearing. Despite this, Duterte's parliamentary manners caused the inquiry to end swiftly.
Via Rappler