Solon slams Sara Duterte over secret funds remark

ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio strongly criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her handling of the confidential funds controversy, stating that 'VP Sara Duterte is genuinely living in her own imaginary world.' Tinio condemned Duterte's assertion that House of Representatives members were weaponizing scrutiny of her confidential funds for political gain, calling it a 'squid tactic' meant to evade accountability. He emphasized her persistent refusal to address inquiries about her office's financial allocations, noting her consistent avoidance of questions about her budget.

The Makabayan bloc, which Tinio represents, rejected Duterte's claim that the confidential funds issue constitutes a 'conspiracy.' They asserted that confidential funds involve taxpayer money, and when substantial amounts are requested in a hurried manner and kept secret, 'the Filipino public has every right to seek clarification.' The bloc further accused Duterte of red-tagging them to deflect from the allegations she faces, noting that 'a politician in a tight spot resorts to red-tag.'

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The controversy centers on allegations that Duterte misappropriated over P500 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) between 2022 and 2023, as well as at least P112.5 million from the Department of Education in 2023. The House Committee on Justice has deemed two impeachment complaints against her as sufficient in substance, requiring her camp to respond to the allegations.

This ongoing controversy has significant political implications, with Duterte facing mounting pressure to provide transparency regarding the use of confidential funds. The situation highlights tensions between the executive and legislative branches of government, particularly concerning oversight of public funds and accountability mechanisms for high-ranking officials.