Zero budget for OVP possible if VP Sara continues dodging questions in hearing – Abante

Summary

In this interview, a congressman reflects on a tense budget hearing with Vice President Sara Duterte. He explains the importance of scrutinizing the budget of every agency, including the Office of the Vice President, and criticizes Duterte for not answering straightforward questions. The discussion also contrasts this year's heated session with last year's smooth approval of Duterte's budget. Concerns about confidential funds and the potential consequences if Duterte doesn't attend the next hearing, including a possible zero budget, are raised. The congressman emphasizes that politics should not overshadow budget deliberations.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚖️ The primary issue at the hearing was Vice President Sarah Duterte's refusal to answer questions about the budget.
• 📜 The Congress has the right to scrutinize any agency's budget, including the Office of the Vice President.
• ❌ In this hearing, the Vice President avoided answering a basic question about whether she believes Congress has the right to review agency budgets.
• ⏳ Last year, her budget was approved in 22 minutes without any questions, in stark contrast to this year's heated discussions.
• 🤔 Some speculate that Duterte may be unaccustomed to being questioned due to last year's lack of scrutiny.
• 🔍 Questions about confidential funds were raised, particularly regarding the Vice President’s other role as Secretary of Education.
• 💬 The Congressman emphasized that it’s Congress's duty to scrutinize the budget and get clear answers, regardless of the VP's position.
• 📅 The Vice President's budget hearing has been deferred to September 10, where further scrutiny is expected.
• 🚫 A potential motion for a zero budget for the Office of the Vice President was discussed, though not finalized.
• 📝 If the Vice President fails to appear at the next hearing, there might be discussions about holding her in contempt, though this would not be a typical procedure in a budget briefing.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the vice president appearing before Congress in the hearing?

The vice president appeared before Congress to discuss the budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2025. Congress has the right to scrutinize how the budget was used in previous years before approving the budget for the upcoming year.

What question did the Congressman ask the vice president during the hearing?

The Congressman asked the vice president a simple question: whether she believes that Congress, as the representative of the people, has the right to scrutinize the budget of every government agency.

How did the vice president respond to the question about Congress's right to scrutinize the budget?

The vice president refused to answer the question about whether Congress has the right to scrutinize the budget of every agency.

How was the vice president treated differently in last year's budget hearing compared to this year?

Last year, the vice president's budget was approved within 22 minutes without any questions, whereas this year, Congress has been scrutinizing the budget and asking questions.

Why is the vice president being questioned more this year compared to last year?

The Congressman suggests that the vice president might be wondering why she's being questioned this year, as her budget was approved without scrutiny last year. However, it is Congress's duty to scrutinize the budget every year, and the vice president must provide answers.

Why didn't Congress question the confidential funds in the vice president's budget last year?

The Congressman did not ask about the confidential funds last year and stated that each Congressman has the right to question whatever aspect of the budget they choose to scrutinize. Confidential funds were discussed during the deliberations for the Department of Education, where the vice president also holds a position.

What is expected from the vice president during the next budget briefing on September 10?

Congress expects the vice president to attend the next briefing and engage in discussions solely about the budget without involving politics. If she does not show up, there is the possibility that someone might call for a zero budget for her office.

What could happen if the vice president refuses to answer questions or does not attend the next hearing?

If the vice president refuses to answer questions or does not attend the next hearing, there is a possibility that a motion could be made to hold her in contempt, although it is not typical to make such motions during a budget briefing.

Why did the Congressman emphasize that politics should be avoided in the budget discussion?

The Congressman emphasized avoiding politics because the hearing is meant to focus strictly on the budget, and political agendas can distract from the financial scrutiny that Congress is tasked with performing.

What is the significance of Congress's role in scrutinizing the budget, according to the Congressman?

According to the Congressman, it is the duty of Congress to scrutinize the budget of every agency to ensure accountability. The vice president, as a public official, must directly answer questions from Congress regarding the use of public funds.