Lawmakers voice skepticism over VP Sara's impeachment promise

National

LAWMAKERS in the House of Representatives are expressing skepticism over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statements that she will address the issues raised against her during the impeachment proceedings.

They suggest that her previous behavior, including skipping numerous hearings and investigations, signals that her promise may amount to mere "lip service."

Zambales 1st District Representative Jefferson Khonghun criticized Duterte for missing several opportunities to explain herself, including during congressional hearings and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probes.

Khonghun pointed out that the Vice President had refused to attend discussions on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget and a separate inquiry into alleged irregularities in confidential fund (CF) expenditures.

He noted that despite these absences, Duterte now claims that the impeachment process is the right forum to answer accusations against her.

Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre also voiced concern, suggesting that Duterte's consistent non-compliance with investigations implies a lack of respect for the law.

Acidre emphasized that public officials are obligated to be accountable to the public and should not view themselves as above scrutiny.

The impeachment complaints against Duterte are rooted in various controversies, including the misuse of confidential funds in both the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Investigations revealed suspicious anomalies in the disbursement of CFs, including questionable signatures on receipts and the discovery that several names associated with these documents do not appear in government records.

These issues were the basis for the complaints filed by two groups against Duterte.

Despite these concerns, Duterte has expressed willingness to address the allegations during the impeachment proceedings, although her past absences from key hearings have left lawmakers doubtful about her commitment to fully cooperate.(CMM)