Vice President Sara Duterte appears to be taking Senator Risa Hontiveros’ questions personally during the recent budget deliberation.
It can be recalled that the two officials engaged in a heated exchange after Sen. Hontiveros questioned the number of copies and the purpose of the children’s book published by VP Sara, which was funded with ₱10 million.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan, Atty. Michael Henry Yusingsco, a political analyst and constitutionalist, stated that the Vice President should have adequately addressed the questions regarding the budget she is proposing, especially since it involves public funds.
Yusingsco noted that he does not see any political motive in Hontiveros’ questions, contrary to VP Sara’s accusation that the senator was politicizing the Office of the Vice President’s budget.
He emphasized that it is the lawmakers’ duty to thoroughly scrutinize the allocation of funds proposed by Malacañang.
Hontiveros is simply fulfilling her duty to ask on behalf of the public, who have the right to know how their money is being spent.
Meanwhile, the programs laid out by the OVP, which are similar to existing programs of other agencies, are just additional expenses according to Yusingsco. This was one of the issues raised by Hontiveros during the deliberation.
He argued that these programs only add to the taxpayers’ burden, as they would fund redundant initiatives with seemingly identical objectives.
Heated Exchange Between VP Sara and Senator Hontiveros
The recent deliberation for the OVP’s budget saw a tense confrontation between VP Sara Duterte and Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The exchange became heated when Senator Hontiveros questioned the necessity and the substantial allocation for the Vice President’s children’s book project.
VP Sara responded by accusing Hontiveros of politicizing the budget of the Office of the Vice President, leading to a back-and-forth argument. The confrontation highlighted the increasing tension between the two officials, reflecting deeper divisions within the government over budget priorities.