Senators back Hontiveros after verbal tussle with Duterte

Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of senators defended Sen. Risa Hontiveros after her heated exchange in a budget hearing with Vice President Sara Duterte over a book distribution program.

Senate President Chiz Escudero said the lawmaker’s questions were valid.

In Tuesday’s hearing, Hontiveros asked for details about the “Isang Kaibigan” children’s book authored by Duterte herself. The book distribution costs P10 million under the proposed P2.037-billion budget for the Office of the Vice President next year.

Duterte accused Hontiveros of “politicizing” the budget. She said the government pays only for the publication, but did not offer other details about its contents.

Escudero said the Senate performed its role during the hearing.

“I would advise heads of agencies to be patient with and answer because these are all connected with the function of Congress,” Escudero said in a press briefing.

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe, finance committee chairperson, said Hontiveros' inquiries were “well within the lines” of the hearing’s agenda.

Poe said personal sentiments must be set aside when lawmakers review the budget.

She added it is every senator’s job to scrutinize public funds.

“The budget review, though objective, really gives rise to some heated discussions but we hope that these help thresh out issues rather than distract so we can craft a better budget for the people,” she said in a statement.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report