VP Sara Duterte Says She Will Not Attend November 20 Hearing
VP SARA DUTERTE – The vice president announced she will not attend the November 20 House inquiry into her office’s use of confidential funds, despite receiving a personal invitation. Duterte noted that in her previous attendance at the initial hearing, she felt her time was wasted as she was merely seated without being questioned.
“Hindi man nila ako tinanong, kung nakikita ninyo nakaupo lang ako doon. Nasasayang yung oras ko kaya nagpaalam ako kung pwede akong umalis, pinayagan naman nila ako,” VP Sara Duterte explained. She added that since she had already appeared and no productive discussion took place, she sees no reason to attend future hearings.
Instead of appearing in person, Vice President Sara Duterte said she would submit a letter and an affidavit under oath detailing the use of the confidential funds. Duterte received the invitation to the November 20 hearing on Wednesday during her surprise appearance at a separate House quad committee inquiry into the drug war initiated by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to official police data, the Duterte administration’s drug war resulted in over 6,000 recorded deaths. However, human rights organizations estimate that the actual number could reach tens of thousands, mainly affecting impoverished men allegedly killed by police or vigilantes without substantial evidence of drug involvement. Despite international outcry and demands for justice, only nine officers have been convicted for extrajudicial killings.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has continued the anti-drug initiative, shifting its emphasis to prevention and rehabilitation. Under Rodrigo Duterte’s orders, the Philippines withdrew from the International Criminal Court or ICC in 2019, yet the ICC asserts its jurisdiction over alleged human rights violations occurring before this withdrawal, including incidents in Davao City during Duterte’s time as mayor, prior to his presidency.