MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte appeared before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Wednesday for its initial hearing on the utilization of her office’s funds. The committee is also set to scrutinize the Department of Education’s fund usage during Duterte’s tenure as its secretary.
Duterte declined to take an oath, arguing that the letter from the panel indicated she would serve as a resource person. “When you sent a letter to the Office of the Vice President, you attached a copy of the rules in aid of legislation. Nakalagay po doon na witnesses lang ang ino-oath,” she stated.
Committee chairperson Rep. Joel Chua responded, “Lahat po considered as resource persons and witness.” However, former president and Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Arroyo, an ally of Duterte, contended that resource persons and witnesses are “not the same” under a Supreme Court ruling.
“We cannot just trivialize… pareho na rin ‘yun witness, resource person,” Arroyo argued, adding, “Somebody who appears to be the accused has a different tier of protection from a witness, and can in fact refuse to take the witness stand.”
Duterte assured the lawmakers, “We have not done anything wrong. There is no misuse of funds.” She added, “If there are audit findings, we shall gladly respond to them before the Commission on Audit. If there are legitimate cases to be filed, then we shall gladly respond to them before the appropriate courts.”
The Vice President described the inquiry as “no ordinary legislative inquiry” but rather “a well-funded and coordinated political attack.” She said, “This much is evident from the very words of the privilege speech that prompted this inquiry. A speech that simply meant to say do not vote for Sara on 2028.”
She urged the committee to end the proceedings, citing a “lack of any proposed legislation or substantive matter for discussion.” Rep. Chua, however, maintained that the committee would “now proceed” with the inquiry.
In her closing remarks, Duterte said, “You may try to destroy me. You can skin me alive and throw my ashes to the wind. But let it be known, you will find me unbowed.” She insisted that the inquiry was not about misused funds or accountability but was instead an effort to discredit her and her office ahead of future political contests.
Previously, Duterte accused some lawmakers of attempting to impeach her, which was denied by members of Congress.