HOUSE leaders on Thursday dismissed as “diversionary tactics” Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that impeachment efforts against her are being used to obscure alleged shortcomings of the administration.
In a press conference, House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun described Duterte’s comments as an attempt to shift attention away from the ongoing House investigation into the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte’s leadership.
“Well, that’s another diversionary tactic ng ating Bise Presidente para iiwas na naman ang nangyari sa pondo ng [OVP] at sa confidential fund ng [DepEd],” Khonghun said.
Khonghun said the issue that needs to be addressed by Duterte is the allegations of mismanagement of her office’s confidential funds.
“Ang tunay na usapin dito ay may nawawalang pera ng ating gobyerno. Hindi naging tama ang paggastos, nagkaroon ng kapabayaan sa pag-handle ng confidential funds, at kailangan may managot dito,” he said.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, clarified that impeachment is not currently on the table.
“Sa totoo lang, ang impeachment ay hindi pa po napag-uusapan dahil naka-focus pa kami dito sa mga iba pong usapin,” he said.
Chua said the primary objective of the investigation is to propose legislative measures to prevent similar instances of fund misuse.
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on ongoing hearings.
“Kami naman dito, ang katotohanan at pagtuloy ng hearings ang aming tinitignan dahil ‘yan ay utang namin sa taong bayan,” he said.
Ortega reassured the public of the House’s commitment to its legislative responsibilities.
