Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte said spending millions in government in one day is not surprising, in response to inquiries on the ongoing probe against her budget utilization in previous years.
In a lengthy press briefing on Friday, Oct. 18, Duterte barely discussed her spending issues and instead shifted topics on her rough relationship with the administration.
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But in a brief response to questions on her confidential funds, the vice president said it’s normal for the government to spend money for its projects.
“Alam niyo hindi nakakapagtaka sa gobyerno na gumastos ng millions araw-araw. Kami doon sa DepEd noon, pumimpirma kami billions in one day para maglabas ng pera,” she said. “Ganoon talaga ang gobyerno, gumagastos siya everyday para sa mga projects niya,” Duterte added.[Translation: You know what, it’s not surprising for the government to spend millions daily. Back then in the Department of Education, we were signing billions in one day to release…That’s how the government is. We are spending money everyday for our projects]Duterte said her office had cooperated with the Commission on Audit amid questions on her budget use.
On Thursday, lawmakers questioned the Office of the Vice President’s spending of P16 million in 11 days for the rental of its safe houses in 2022. This is part of the agency’s controversial P125 million confidential funds.
House members also said the Department of Education under Duterte’s leadership, falsely claimed to have used its confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) for youth leadership summits, which the vice president denied.
Former education officials also admitted receiving envelopes of cash during Duterte’s time as DepEd chief. The vice president said she is waiting for the next inquiry before completely addressing the issue.
“Ang gusto nila kasi palabasin sa mga tao. Iyang envelope na iyan, galing sa confidential funds. Iyan iyong gusto nila i-portray sa public,” she said.
