Hse defends confidential fund realignment
By Nidz Godino
"It is essential to understand decision was made for benefit of the nation and not as personal affront to any individual, including VP Duterte," leaders representing super majority coalition, support leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, declared former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio should not be offended by decision of House of Representatives to realign confidential funds of latter.
Beneficiaries of House's realignment of confidential funds from Office of the Vice President and Department of Education include National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P300 million), National Security Council (P100 million) and Philippine Coast Guard (P200 million).
It is still five years away from next presidential elections, and politicking among possible contenders at this early stage is last thing country needs, especially in light of economic challenges brought about by global inflation, among many others, according to lawmakers.
"Last thing we need right now is for crass, divisive politics distracting us from possible problems that could arise from this brewing crisis, oil prices have begun to spike as result of ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict… government needs to be prepared for possible fallout resulting from this," Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte said, in reference to latest news about ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Villafuerte, ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., called on "perpetrators of this kind of politics at its lowest form" to back off and assist government instead in providing solutions that will support country's economic renewal.
Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, for his part, appealed for calm and composure amid heated national discussion about confidential funds as he urged nation's leaders to instead focus on welfare of Filipino people.
"It is always preferable and always more productive to dial up dialogue and dial down divisive rhetoric when we deliberate on issues concern our people…in Congress, we have been taught it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable, naturally, we leaders can be passionate about our advocacies and can be very resolute in our positions…but even in our most intense debates, there should always be room for comity and collegiality," Abante said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers extolled successes of chamber they belong to, in reaction to recent attacks from former president.
"As one of senior members of House, I stand by institution's integrity and strict adherence to law, I join hands with my colleagues in support of leadership of Speaker Romualdez and priority legislations of President Marcos aimed toward advancing interests of people, uplifting their lives through measures that improve economy, safeguarding our territory and ensuring our safety in face of threats against our nation's peace and independence," Barbers said.
Despite exchange of tirades, relationsip between Duterte and House of Representatives as an institution remains cordial, according to House secretary general Reginald Velasco.
There is "no personal problem" in relationship between lawmakers and former president, who earlier tagged chamber as "most rotten institution," Velasco said.
He said House members have been supportive of Duterte even when he was still president.
"During time of COVID, you know that all of Duterte's administration's proposed legislation were approved by House, including COVID measures and emergency procurement, things like that," he added.
House official also stressed there is no problem in relationship of House and Duterte, but political party leaders deemed it necessary to issue joint statement countering former president's tirades.
Lawmakers were also concerned over Duterte's threat to ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, staunch critic of younger Duterte.
Former president also accused Romualdez of spearheading moves to remove P650-million confidential fund of his daughter.
On insinuations diversion of funds of some departments to agencies involved in protection of West Philippine Sea was politically motivated, Velasco said Speaker still has two years to finish his term.
Velasco added Romualdez also has another term, from 2025 to 2028, to meet term limit.
"So why talk about 2028 elections?" Velasco said.
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