VP Sara moves to ‘terminate’ House probe into fund use: ‘This is a political attack’

Vice President Sara Duterte says during the hearing of the House of Representatives on the Office of the Vice President funds that they may try to destroy her, skin her alive, burn her, and throw her ashes to the wind, but they will find her unbowed. OVP PHOTO

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday said she refused to be scrutinized by a House panel investigating her office’s fund use, and even “requested” that they terminate the hearing—a move quickly rejected by the presiding officer.

Duterte showed up Wednesday at the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s probe, which was triggered by a privilege speech that raised concerns on the Office of the Vice President’s fund use.

“I will not allow myself to be subjected to an inquiry based on an empty privilege speech just so you can attack me… I therefore request this committee to terminate this inquiry for clear lack of any proposed legislation or substantive matter for discussion,” Duterte said.

Panel chairperson Rep. Joel Chua did not give much weight to Duterte’s remark and quickly rejected it.

“The committee cannot rule on that because the committee already took cognizance of this privilege speech. Anyway, we will now proceed,” he said.

During her opening speech Wednesday, Duterte immediately went on the offensive and accused the House of carrying out a “well-funded and coordinated political attack” meant to dismantle her chances in the 2028 election.

“What we’re witnessing is no ordinary legislative inquiry. This exercise is a well-funded and coordinated political attack. 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 in 2028.’ It is clear to me that this inquiry is not about accountability,” she said.

Duterte said her office did not do anything wrong and they were willing to answer concerns in the proper forum.

“We have not done anything wrong. There is no misuse of funds. 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,” she said.

Duterte said she would continue to do her job despite the House’s alleged attempt to discredit her.

“You may try to destroy me, you can skin me alive and throw my ashes to the wind. But let it be known that you will find me unbowed. I will continue to serve the people no matter the personal cost,” she said.

Duterte previously said some lawmakers were working on impeaching her from office, which they denied.

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