Duterte takes oath during House hearing on budget utilization

Metro Manila, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte took an oath before a congressional inquiry on the budget utilization of her office and the education department under her leadership on Monday, Nov. 25, two months after she refused to do the same.

This was just her second time to attend the inquiry of the House good government and public accountability, where Duterte’s spending of confidential funds was among the highlights.

Duterte wanted to address the House panel but the chairperson, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, told the vice president: “Before I recognize you, would you like to take your oath? I will only recognize you when you take your oath.”

She immediately answered, “Okay.” She swore to tell the truth during the inquiry proceedings.

The vice president did not comply with the oath-taking during the first hearing on Sept. 18, citing she was invited as a resource person and not as a witness. She explained that under House rules, only witnesses are expected to be subjected to an oathtaking.

READ: Duterte stands pat on budget regularity in House hearing 

In skipping the previous five hearings, she told lawmakers that she already submitted documents and that there was a lack of any “clear legislative objective” on the part of the panel.

Duterte’s presence at the Batasang Pambansa came as the political drama took a turn for the worse amid a straining relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two of them ran for office as a tandem under a national unity campaign.

The second highest official supposedly breached House protocols when she made a surprise visit to her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who was ordered detained, and stayed at the chamber’s premises. 

While staying at the chamber’s premises, Duterte “blocked” the House jail transfer order for Lopez on Friday evening. She then issued expletive-laden remarks in a midnight online briefing that made Marcos’ security officials concerned. 

READ: I talked to someone to kill Marcos, First Lady, Romualdez if I get killed — Duterte

Lopez was sent to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City after experiencing difficulty in breathing, and vomiting, among others.

Coming from the hospital on Monday morning, Duterte briefly left her aide to attend the House inquiry and accompany OVP personnel present.

In a chance interview, she reiterated her plea before the National Security Council for a list of documents, including the minutes of the meeting where her remarks against Marcos were brought up.

READ: Kill remarks vs. Marcos ‘maliciously taken out of logical context’ as security concern — VP

As a member, Duterte claimed she has not received any notice of meeting from the NSC.