House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for refusing to take an oath not to lie at the Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability hearing, and again evading questions regarding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
This action, along with her past absences and evasiveness in Congress, betrays public trust and constitutes a dereliction of her duty to remain accountable to the Filipino people.
“It is disappointing and unacceptable that VP Duterte chose to again resort to squid tactics rather than face the questions head-on, particularly on the issue of confidential funds,” Rep. France Castro stated. “Her repeated absences and refusal to explain the P125 million confidential funds used in 2022 only add to the public’s growing suspicion and frustration.”
“Ang kanyang pagtanggi na manumpa na magsasabi ng totoo ay indikasyon na aatakehin lang nya ang Kongreso at magsisinungaling lang sa pagdinig,” she added
Rep. Castro reiterated the call for the abolition of all confidential funds, regardless of the agency. “Both Duterte and Marcos, who have the largest share of confidential funds in the budget, refuse to explain where these funds go. We must abolish confidential funds to prevent any exploitation and abuse of taxpayer money.”
In response to VP Duterte’s claims of political maneuvering for 2028 to discredit her and supposed impeachment threats, Rep. Castro remarked, “These again are squid tactics to avoid accountability. The Filipino people deserve transparency and answers on how their money is being spent. Besides, impeachment is a legitimate avenue for the people to have their grievances and issues addressed,”
Rep. Castro concluded by urging her fellow legislators to take a firm stand against the misuse of public funds and to uphold their duty to the people by ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.#
