MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that her recent trip to Calaguas Island was an official visit aimed at connecting with Filipinos in rural areas. This statement came on Wednesday, following public uproar over her beach photos circulating on social media.
Criticism arose as some groups accused Duterte of neglecting her duties, particularly skipping the House’s deliberations on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) 2025 budget.
“I visited island barangays,” Duterte explained during a press briefing, adding that the locals raised concerns about inadequate health services and the lack of potable water.
The Vice President remained quiet about the matter until the Philippine National Police (PNP) verified her presence on Calaguas Island from September 20 to 23.
“The PNP’s report is accurate… I left Calaguas at 6:32 a.m. on Monday,” Duterte said.
“The budget hearing started at 10 a.m. I’m correct in saying there was no hearing happening at 6:32 a.m… No congressman is awake and working at 6 a.m.,” she added.
Duterte also noted that by the time the budget hearing commenced, she was already in Vinzon’s poblacion.
Previously, Duterte informed lawmakers that she would not attend the budget deliberations, leaving the matter entirely to the Congress’ discretion. She also accused members of using the budget discussions as a platform for political attacks against her, claims that House leaders have denied.
On Wednesday, several lawmakers voiced their disapproval of Duterte’s absence, with ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro proposing a budget reduction for the OVP from P733 million to P529.5 million.
“Until now, the Vice President is acting like a squid, avoiding scrutiny and questions about her budget,” said Castro.
Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado also expressed concerns over the OVP’s budget, comparing its expenditures to the more “modest and transparent” spending during the term of former Vice President Leni Robredo.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas criticized Duterte’s behavior during the hearings, calling it “unacceptable.”
“She must be accountable and transparent to the public about how the OVP’s budget is being used. It is unacceptable for the Vice President to boycott the continuation of the budget hearings. Not even a representative from her office was present. This is an insult to the public… Has she abandoned her duties as Vice President?” Brosas remarked.
Budget sponsor Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong stated that the proposal to cut the OVP’s budget will be further deliberated by the plenary.