MANILA 3rd District Representative Joel Chua yesterday disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that she was only invited once to the hearings of the House Blue Ribbon Committee, asserting that the panel has made extensive efforts to accommodate her participation.

“The committee has gone above and beyond to make sure she has every opportunity to present her side,” said Chua, who chairs the panel, formally known as the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

Chua’s panel has been investigating the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Duterte’s leadership.

Contrary to Duterte’s claim of a single invitation, Chua clarified that she was invited to both the first and second hearings, held on September 18 and 25.

“She declined to attend the third, fourth, and fifth hearings scheduled on Oct. 17, Nov. 5, and Nov. 11, after submitting a formal letter stating she would not be present,” Chua pointed out.

In a letter dated Sept. 23 addressed to Chua, Duterte declined to attend further hearings, citing constitutional concerns and arguing that the inquiry was unnecessary, as the claims could be verified through public records.

Duterte has also criticized House rules, alleging that they potentially violate constitutional rights, and noted that related issues are already pending before the Supreme Court.

During the House Quad Committee hearing last Wednesday, which her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, attended, the Vice President was personally handed an invitation to the sixth hearing, scheduled for November 20.

However, in a press conference at the Senate on Thursday, Duterte claimed she had not received any further invitations after attending the first hearing.

In a follow-up press conference on Friday, Duterte asserted that she felt sidelined during the initial hearing, saying she was made to sit without being asked questions, which she described as a waste of her time.

According to an accurate account of the Septembe18 hearing, Duterte declined to participate by refusing to take her oath as a resource person, did not respond directly to lawmakers’ questions, and left shortly after delivering a statement critical of the investigation.

Chua strongly disputed Duterte’s characterization of the committee’s actions, noting the repeated efforts to secure her presence and participation.

“The Vice President has been given every opportunity to clarify the use of public funds in her office, particularly those that are shielded from typical auditing processes due to confidentiality,” Chua said.

He added: “The House Blue Ribbon Committee is committed to transparency—especially for officials with substantial access to public money. The public deserves clear answers, and we expect all officials, especially those at the highest levels, to step forward and explain their spending.”

With the upcoming November 20 hearing on the horizon, Chua stressed that this will be an important opportunity for Duterte to provide direct responses to the committee’s questions.

“We have done our part to ensure she has a platform to address these issues in full view of the public. Now, the choice is hers: attend and clarify, or refuse and raise further doubts,” Chua stated.

The committee, Chua emphasized, is committed to fulfilling its duty of upholding transparency and accountability on behalf of the public.

“The House remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect taxpayer money,” he stressed. “We trust that the Vice President will take this opportunity to directly address the public’s concerns, as every official entrusted with public funds should.”

During her Friday press conference, Duterte indicated she has no intention of attending further hearings, instead planning to submit an affidavit regarding her office’s confidential funds, which she said would be “under oath.”

Chua said the committee will review the affidavit if she submits it, but it is preferable for her to attend in person to ensure clarity and accountability regarding the questioned funds.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas