Duterte, Hontiveros clash over ‘politicizing’ budget hearings

Summary

In a heated budget hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros criticizes the allocation of 101 million for the distribution of 'Isang Kaibigan,' a children's book authored by the Vice President. She accuses the government of politicizing the budget, particularly with the book's content and its distribution to one million learners in remote areas. The VP defends the initiative, stating the book is about friendship and is not for sale, but will be provided to senators for review. Tensions rise as the discussion veers into personal attacks and past political rivalries, highlighting the scrutiny over public funds and the role of government in educational initiatives.

Takeaways

• 📚 The government allocated 101 million for the distribution of 'Isang Kaibigan,' a children's book authored by the Vice President.
• 🗣️ Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the budget allocation for the book as an example of politicizing the government's budget.
• 💬 The debate highlighted the potential for the book to influence voters, as it is distributed to remote communities and carries the VP's name.
• 🚫 The Vice President's office defended the budget allocation, stating that the book is not for sale and is intended for educational purposes.
• 🤝 The VP's office committed to sending a copy of the book to Senator Hontiveros and other interested parties to clarify its content.
• 🤔 The content of 'Isang Kaibigan' was a point of contention, with questions raised about its relevance and the government's role in its publication.
• 💭 The discussion revealed a tension between the legislative and executive branches over the use of public funds for specific projects.
• 🗳️ The script suggests a broader concern about the potential for political bias in government-funded educational materials.
• 📈 The exchange underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds for educational initiatives.
• 📖 The title 'Isang Kaibigan' was revealed to be about friendship, providing a clearer understanding of the book's theme amidst the debate.

Q & A

What is the controversy surrounding the allocation of 101 million for the distribution of 'Isang Kaibigan' books?

The controversy is that the allocation is seen as an example of politicizing the government budget, with the book authored by the Vice President and being distributed using public funds.

What was Senator Risa Hontiveros' stance on the budget allocation for the 'Isang Kaibigan' books?

Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the allocation as an instance of politicizing the budget and indicated she would make a motion to lodge the budget at the proper time.

Why did the Vice President mention the difficulties faced during President Duterte's time?

The Vice President was highlighting the challenges faced during Duterte's term, implying that the current efforts, including the book distribution, are part of addressing those issues.

What is the connection between the book distribution and the threat of a 'full-blown comb' as mentioned in the script?

The 'full-blown comb' likely refers to a comprehensive effort or campaign, and the book distribution is part of this broader initiative, possibly aimed at gaining support or addressing certain issues.

Why did the Vice President emphasize that the book 'Isang Kaibigan' is not for sale?

The Vice President clarified that the book is not for sale to underscore that the government is only funding its publication and distribution, not its sale, which is a point of contention in the budget hearing.

What was the request from Senator Hontiveros regarding the book 'Isang Kaibigan'?

Senator Hontiveros requested to know more about the contents of the book and the number of copies the government plans to purchase and distribute.

How much is the government planning to spend on purchasing and distributing the 'Isang Kaibigan' books?

The government plans to spend 10 million pesos on purchasing and distributing the books.

What was the reaction of the Vice President to the questions raised during the budget hearing?

The Vice President expressed frustration and did not appreciate the line of questioning, viewing it as an attempt to politicize the budget hearing.

What was the context of the Vice President's comment about Senator Hontiveros' electoral loss?

The Vice President mentioned Senator Hontiveros' electoral loss to highlight a perceived pattern of behavior, suggesting that her actions might be driven by fear of further electoral defeats.

What was the final point made by the Vice President regarding the budget hearing?

The Vice President emphasized that the budget hearing should focus on the budget itself and not on personal issues, and that public funds are being inquired about for the benefit of the people.

What was the topic of the book 'Isang Kaibigan' as clarified in the budget hearing?

The book 'Isang Kaibigan' is about friendship, as confirmed by the Vice President during the budget hearing.

Outlines

00:00

📚 'Isang Kaibigan' Book Allocation Debate

The first paragraph revolves around a debate on the allocation of 101 million for the distribution of 'Isang Kaibigan,' a children's book authored by the Vice President. Senator Risa Hontiveros criticizes the politicization of the government's budget, particularly pointing out the book's distribution as an example. She expresses concern over the book's potential influence on voters, given the VP's name is associated with it. The discussion becomes heated, with the senator and the book's representative exchanging sharp remarks about the nature of the inquiry and the politicization of the budget hearing. The representative defends the book's content and the government's decision to distribute it, promising to provide copies to all for review.

05:02

🗣️ Senator's Past and Book Inquiry

The second paragraph continues the dialogue with a focus on Senator Risa Hontiveros's past political actions, including her loss in an election and subsequent request for support from President Rodrigo Duterte. The narrative shifts to the inquiry about the 'Isang Kaibigan' book, with a senator seeking clarification on its content and purpose. The book's representative explains that it is about friendship and is intended for educational distribution. The conversation underscores the importance of public funds and the responsibility of the government to account for their use, with a call for the focus to remain on the budget and its allocations rather than personal grievances.

Keywords

💡Politicizing the budget

Politicizing the budget refers to the act of using government funds for political purposes or to gain political advantage. In the script, this concept is highlighted when the allocation of 101 million for the distribution of a children's book authored by the Vice President is questioned. The concern is that this allocation might be an attempt to use public funds for political promotion rather than for the general welfare of the citizens.

💡Isang Kaibigan

Isang Kaibigan is a children's book authored by the Vice President mentioned in the script. The title translates to 'A Friend' in English. The book is part of a government initiative to distribute one million copies to learners in remote communities. The title is significant as it is the subject of the budget allocation debate, with concerns raised about its content and the potential for it to be used for political purposes.

💡Budget hearing

A budget hearing is a formal meeting where government officials present and justify their budget proposals to legislative bodies. In the context of the script, the budget hearing is where the allocation for the book 'Isang Kaibigan' is being questioned. It is a platform where senators and other officials scrutinize the proposed use of public funds.

💡Senator Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros is a character mentioned in the script who is questioning the budget allocation for the book 'Isang Kaibigan.' Her role in the script is to represent the legislative oversight function, ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and not for political gain.

💡VP (Vice President)

The VP, or Vice President, is a high-ranking government official in the Philippines who is part of the executive branch. In the script, the VP is the author of 'Isang Kaibigan,' and the budget allocation for the book's distribution is a point of contention. The VP's involvement raises questions about the politicization of the budget.

💡Duterte

Duterte refers to President Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, who is mentioned in the context of political support and past actions. The script implies that there is a political connection between the VP and Duterte, and the allocation for the book is seen by some as a continuation of political strategies associated with Duterte's administration.

💡China

China is mentioned in the script as a major superpower that supports the current administration, implying a geopolitical context to the budget allocation. The mention of China suggests that the debate over the book's funding is not just about domestic politics but also about international relations and the influence of foreign powers.

💡Superpower

A superpower is a country with a dominant position in global affairs, often characterized by military, economic, and political strength. In the script, the term is used to describe China's role in supporting the administration, which is relevant to the broader geopolitical implications of the budget allocation for the book.

💡Remote communities

Remote communities refer to geographically isolated areas that may lack access to resources and services. In the script, the book 'Isang Kaibigan' is intended to be distributed to learners in these communities. The allocation for the book is justified as a means to reach and educate children in areas that are less accessible.

💡Legislative oversight

Legislative oversight is the function of a legislative body to monitor and evaluate the actions of the executive branch. In the script, Senator Risa Hontiveros is exercising legislative oversight by questioning the budget allocation for the book, ensuring that public funds are used transparently and for the intended purposes.

💡Public funds

Public funds are financial resources collected from taxpayers and managed by the government for public services and projects. The script emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing how public funds are allocated, especially when there are concerns about their use for political purposes, as in the case of the book 'Isang Kaibigan.'

Highlights

Allocation of 101 million for the distribution of 'Isang Kaibigan', a children's book authored by the VP.

Senator Risa Hontiveros criticizes the politicization of the government budget.

Reference to the difficulty of cleaning up the mess left by the Duterte administration.

Mention of the threat of a full-blown communist rebellion supported by China.

Senator Hontiveros accuses the VP of politicizing the budget hearing.

The book 'Isang Kaibigan' is not for sale and is about to be published with government funds.

Commitment to send a copy of the book to Senator Hontiveros to understand its content.

Senator Hontiveros expresses concern about the book's potential influence on voters.

The book will be distributed to 1 million learners in remote communities.

Senator Hontiveros is accused of politicizing the budget hearing with her questions.

The VP's name is mentioned in the book, which will be distributed to children.

Senator Hontiveros is criticized for her attitude during the budget hearing.

A personal anecdote about Senator Hontiveros seeking help during her campaign.

The book 'Isang Kaibigan' is confirmed to be about friendship.

Emphasis on the importance of sticking to the budget discussion and not personal issues.

The budget hearing is about public funds, not personal matters.

Transcripts

part of this campaign is an allocation

of 101 million for the distribution of

isang kaibigan books a children's book

authored by the VP another example of

politicizing the budget of the

government ito pong sinabi ni senator

Risa ontiveros na at the proper time

she'll make a motion to lodge the budget

we requested budget of the ovp to the

other agencies let me just quote senator

Risa during the akbayan con

Alam ko po na ang Daming kalat ni

Duterte na hirap na hirap tayong linisin

ang kadiliman noong panahon niya ay

talaga namang nanuot sa ating lipunan

para mana na napakahirap tanggalin at

habang ang anak niya ay may

kapangyarihan pa hindi magiging madali

ang ating laban while VP sar is in power

the threat of a full blown comb is still

a very real and danger for one they are

supported by one major superpower China

so that is an example of politicizing

the budget

of the government Alam nating lahat na

miyembro ng iba't ibang partido yung

speeches natin sa ating mga kamiyembro

sa mga party congresses ay hiwalay na

event dito sa budget debates so I really

take Exception doun sa sinabi ni VP na

rebattle iyan dahil halimbawa ito sa

politicizing in fact wala akong tinanong

tungkol sa china o kahit sino pa Mang

ibang bansa dito sa budget hearing na to

I am asking about yung National budget

na ipapasa natin sa Kongreso para sa

bansang Pilipinas sa taong 2025 ang

tanong ko po ay ilang mga libro ng isang

kaibigan ay bibilihin at idi-distribute

at ano if the VP could tell us more the

contents ng librong ito um the book is

not for sale We only pay for the

publication of the book and we will send

senator antio a copy so that she will

know what is the content of the book Oh

um this Question is not only for me

Madam chair Para rin para sa mga kasama

dito sa budget hearing um baka baka

ilang araw pa Bago mapadala at mabasa ko

Which I certainly will but I am asking a

question ng isang mambabatas sa head of

agency ng isang opisina sa executive

dito sa budget hearing na' simpleng

tanong Tell us more about the book isang

kaibigan at ilang kopya nito ang

bibilihin ng gobyerno sa halagang 10

milyong piso at idi-distribute sa kasama

ng ah mga bag sa 1 million learners sa

remote

communities This is an example of Uh

politicizing the budget hearing through

the questions of a senator ang problema

niya kasi nakalagay yung pangalan ko

doon sa libro at yung libro na yan

ibibigay namin doon sa mga bata at yung

mga bata na yan may mga magulang na

boboto at yung pangalan ko ay nagkalat

doon sa kung saan man ibibigay yung

libro Madam ch we commit to send

tomorrow everyone in this a copy of the

book Madam Cher Hindi ko maintindihan

yung ah ugali ng ating Resource person

It is a simple question

ah paulit-ulit na This is

politicizing ang VIP ang nagbanggit ng

salitang boboto Wala akong sinabing

boboto I'm simply asking hindi ko

ma-imagine we're making So Much Trouble

so much fast about a 10 million item na

itinatanong ko lang simpleng what is the

book about at ilang kopya ang bibilihin

ng gobyerno sa halagang 10 milyong piso

at idi-distribute I don't appreciate

this kind of attitude Madam chair Uh

usually ang Resource persons natin ay

nagbibigay ng parehong Institutional

courtesy sa legislature na ibinibigay

natin sa executive I don't appreciate

this kind of attitude know you have a

Madam Madam

ch Yes madam ch hindi hindi ko rin

maintindihan ang ugali ni senator Risa

ontiveros and um I do not appreciate ano

yung sinabi niya I do not appreciate

this kind of behavior and attitude Madam

Sher noong 2016 tumatakbo si sor Risa

ont veros na senator Nakailang talo na

siya So dalawa Madam Cher Okay dalawa

Natatakot siya sa pangatlong talo niya

kaya Pumunta siya sa Davao humingi siya

ng tulong tinulungan siya ng isang

Kagawad ng Davao na ngayon hindi na siya

sinusuportahan humingi siya ng tulong sa

akin thinking na hindi mananalo si

President Rodrigo Duterte Kinausap niya

ako ng kinausap doon sa law office ko sa

Davao

City Sabi ko sa kanya O sige ah

tutulungan kita tsinika niya ako ng

chinika tapos umalis

siya syempre

hindi naman siya tumutulong kay

pangulong Duterte hindi din totoo yung

sinabi ko natulungan kita tinex niya ako

pwede ba akong mag-follow up sa

hinihingi kong tulong sa boto Dian sa

Davao

City so Sabi ko sa kanya okay sige so

Tinawagan ko at sinabihan ko at

pinakiusapan ko ng

pinakiusapan si former Congressman

Garcia sabi

koya kong tulungan mo ito Bigyan mo na

lang ng ilang Barangay mo at ilang mga

leaders mo Ayaw pa siya tulungan ni

former Congressman milen Garcia

pinakiusapan ko ulit kong Please

tulungan mo na lang nanalo na siya at

nung nanalo siya Anong ginawa niya siya

ang pinakaunang umatake kay President

Rodrigo duter Anong tawag sa ugaling

ganito

um with the with a with do respect to

our Resource persons and also our

colleagues I think this doesn't really I

I understand there's history among all

of us here But Uh I think that we should

really Stick to the Budget and I think

Uh this is just being very objective I I

would like to ask also Uh since we're

going to be furnished a copy tomorrow we

can Look at it and evaluate What the

content of the book is um

But maybe just a general we won't ask

line by line Ano ba yung libro na yan

but tell me is it for Uh Good manners

and right conduct That's fine um is it

science is it history so maybe just a

general one so we can just answer it

because I understand that every office

will have Its Own advocacy and

initiative so but then I don't think

it's also wrong for us to be curious

what it is about so just a general one

any of the und secretaries can Uh tell

me uh what the topic of the book is is

it history is it What is it

is Madam chare The explanation is in the

title isang kaibigan It's about

friendship Okay then That's for the

record It's about friendship Madam chair

just the last point okay so kung sana

ganon Iyung naging sagot sa simula pa '

ba napakasimple simpleng tanong dapat

simpleng sagot nagkwento pa ng kwento na

sinabi dati na walang kinalaman ah sa

tanong ko ah just Uh for the record Uh

as a last point Madam chair This is

public funds and we're making inquiries

Uh about them budget hearing po ito

Hindi po lahat about you pera po ito ng

taong bayan for the record Madam sh

thank m personal but but I understand

the emotion is

high l