House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has responded to Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statements regarding the recorded interview released during the 2025 proposed budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Co expressed disappointment over the Vice President’s remarks, calling them a deceptive tactic meant to divert attention from the real issues.
He criticized VP Duterte for having 400 bodyguards, in addition to establishing a special Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, stating that no other Vice President in Philippine history has done this.
Co further revealed that during the OVP’s initial budget briefing, the Vice President’s office requested food for her security team, but it was left uneaten. He labeled this as a major insult and a waste of government resources.
The lawmaker challenged VP Duterte over her claims that some members of the House of Representatives are not accustomed to receiving answers they do not like.
Co reminded the public that it is the lawmakers’ responsibility to scrutinize the budget. He also noted that VP Duterte’s absence from today’s budget briefing showed a lack of respect for the legislative branch.
Co accused Duterte of using insults to deflect from answering critical questions, particularly concerning her office’s use of confidential funds.
He pointed out contradictions in Duterte’s statements, highlighting that while she claims to defer to Congress’ wisdom, she refuses to address key questions, such as the expenditure of ₱125 million in confidential funds within just 11 days.
Co recalled his discussions with Duterte during last year’s budget deliberations, where she insisted on justifying the allocation of confidential funds, but Congress ultimately did not approve her request.
He also highlighted various issues under Duterte’s leadership, including poor student performance in Math and Science, the distribution of spoiled food in the School-Based Feeding Program, and ongoing corruption within the Department of Education (DepEd).
Co questioned why Duterte should be entrusted with ₱2 billion in 2025 amid these failures.