Two lawmakers are asking Vice President Sara Duterte to attend the House inquiry on November 20. They say that while her written statement (sworn affidavit) is helpful, it doesn’t answer all the questions about how her office and the Department of Education (DepEd) have used their budget.
Rep. Joel Chua, who leads the Blue Ribbon Committee, explained that many committee members still have questions they need to ask Duterte. He believes her direct attendance is important for more clarity.
Duterte had previously said she wouldn’t attend the hearing because she felt it would be a waste of time, explaining that when she attended a past inquiry, she was left sitting without being asked questions. However, Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora pointed out that if Duterte could attend another hearing with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, she should also come to this one. Zamora believes that even if Duterte submits an affidavit, attending the inquiry gives her the chance to answer questions directly and clear up any confusion.
Zamora emphasized that if Duterte can defend herself, she should show up, as not attending means losing the chance to explain everything.
