Boycott of OVP in House probe shows contempt for transparency and accountability – ACT Teachers party-list

📷Former ACT Teachers Representative and first nominee Antonio Tinio

 

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro strongly criticized the Office of the Vice President’s boycott of today’s congressional hearing investigating the agency’s expenditures, calling it an affront to transparency and public accountability.

“Nakakahawa pala ang pagiging ugaling pusit o tinakot lang ang mga empleyado ng OVP para di dumalo sa pagdinig,” Rep. Castro said, referring to the apparent pattern of evasion displayed by the OVP officials.

“Whatever the reason they boycotted a House hearing, they may be held in contempt,” she added, emphasizing that the OVP’s non-appearance undermines Congress’ constitutional oversight function.

Former ACT Teachers Representative and first nominee Antonio Tinio joined Castro in condemning the OVP’s actions, stating that the agency’s position paper attempting to justify their absence does not exempt them from their obligation to appear before Congress.

“The OVP’s claims about undefined legislative agenda and due process are mere excuses to evade scrutiny of their expenditures. Congressional oversight is a constitutional mandate, and the Filipino people deserve to know how public funds are being spent,” Tinio emphasized.

Castro called on the House leadership to exercise its contempt powers if necessary. “Public officials must remember that they are accountable to the people. No amount of legal gymnastics can justify this blatant disregard for transparency,” she concluded.#

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