Tensions flared between Senator Risa Hontiveros and Vice President Sara Duterte during a Senate hearing as the proposed ₱2.037 billion budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for the coming year was scrutinized.
During the Committee on Finance hearing, Hontiveros questioned the OVP’s proposed projects, pointing out that some of them overlapped with existing programs run by other government agencies. Among the projects she highlighted were the medical and burial assistance programs, which are similar to the Department of Health’s (DOH) initiatives and the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In defense, Vice President Duterte argued that the budget was being politicized, citing instances where requests made to the DSWD for AICS were denied, allegedly because they came from the OVP, which is seen as a political rival.
Hontiveros also questioned the Vice President about a book titled “Isang Kaibigan” that was launched last year, which prominently featured Duterte’s name on its cover. The senator sought an explanation for the ₱10 million budget allocated for the distribution of this book to one million students in remote communities.
At this point, Vice President Duterte became visibly upset, accusing Hontiveros of politicizing the issue. Hontiveros, in turn, insisted that her question about the book was straightforward and questioned why the Vice President repeatedly brought up the issue of politicization.
The exchange became heated, with Hontiveros expressing displeasure at Duterte’s behavior. Vice President Duterte retorted, saying she also disliked the senator’s attitude, adding that Hontiveros had criticized her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, despite her efforts to help his campaign in Davao City.
Senator Grace Poe, the chairman of the Committee on Finance, stepped in to mediate and asked Vice President Duterte to explain the purpose of the book. Duterte responded that the title “Isang Kaibigan” speaks for itself, as the book is about friendship.
Despite the heated exchange, the OVP’s proposed budget for next year has been referred to the Senate plenary for further discussion.