LEADERS from all political parties in the House of Representatives strongly object to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte‘s criticisms after the legislative chamber reallocated P650 million in confidential funds that his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, sought for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2024 national budget.

In a joint statement released through House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, political party leaders took “utmost exception” to Duterte’s remarks, which they said cast aspersions on Congress as an institution and included disturbing threats against one of its members.

The statement highlighted the House’s unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, while condemning Duterte’s decision to vilify an institution that consistently supported his legislative priorities during his term.

“Our institution, the House of Representatives, has been unwavering in its dedication to the Filipino people. It is deeply unfortunate that the former President chose to malign the very institution that for years supported many of his own legislative priorities,” the statement read.

This statement emerged after consultations with lawmakers from the House majority bloc, including the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD), Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, and the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc.

One key issue addressed in the statement is the reallocation of confidential funds to security agencies, especially in the context of rising tensions with China.

The House leaders clarified that this decision was made in the best interest of national security, not as a personal affront to any individual, including the Vice President.

“Casting these decisions in a light of personal vendettas is a disservice to the diligent members of the House of the People and the very essence of our democratic process,” the statement asserted.

Last Tuesday, Duterte sharply criticized Congress, labeling it the “most corrupt institution,” citing supposed “pork barrel” funds. This came shortly after his daughter lost P650 million in confidential funds designated for the OVP and DepEd in the forthcoming year.

Duterte also denounced ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro of the Makabayan bloc, making alarming threats against her life.

Castro, who is a House deputy minority leader, was the first to expose the Vice President’s P125-million confidential expenses in 2022.

She also led the opposition to confidential funds for civilian government agencies, particularly targeting the OVP and DepEd, arguing that these agencies lacked peace and order, national security and defense mandates.

In their joint statement, the House leaders reminded the public that the “pork barrel” system, alluded to by Duterte, has been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

They reaffirmed their commitment to respecting and upholding this ruling and encouraged Duterte to present tangible evidence of wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities, rather than making sweeping allegations in the media.

Addressing criticisms regarding extraordinary and miscellaneous funds, the House leaders underscored that these are not only standard budgetary allocations for official functions and duties but are also transparent and open to scrutiny.

“In fact, these funds are subject to the rigorous oversight of the Commission on Audit (COA), the constitutionally mandated body responsible for examining all government expenditures,” the House leaders said.

“It is worth noting that, per COA, the House of Representatives passed all levels of audits. There were no red flags, no disallowances, and no suspensions – a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency,” they added.

In conclusion, the political leaders called upon Duterte and all involved parties to refrain from making threats or insinuations of harm against any House member or the institution itself.

They emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding to transcend divisive rhetoric and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people and the nation’s advancement.

“Our foremost duty as public servants is to the Filipino people, and it is incumbent upon us to rise above personal and political divides,” the statement stressed.