By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to scrutinize the ongoing 2027 budget deliberations before accusing the Marcos administration of manipulating government spending and preparing to violate the Constitution to remain in power.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte could examine the proceedings of the bicameral conference committee if she wanted to verify her claim that the administration and its allies were already dividing up the proposed 2027 national budget.
“As for the alleged dividing up of the 2027 budget, she will be better off focusing on that, especially during the bicameral conference committee proceedings,” Castro said at a briefing.
Duterte had earlier claimed that the government’s priorities included dividing the 2027 budget and preparing measures that would allow the administration to “break the Constitution” and stay in power.
She also criticized the government for focusing on her impeachment while the country continues to grapple with flooding and poverty.
Castro rejected the accusation involving the Constitution, saying the impeachment proceedings were being conducted under the law and were intended to hold accountable those found responsible for wrongdoing.
“If someone is guilty, they should be convicted,” Castro said.
The Palace official then turned to allegations involving the Office of the Vice President’s use of confidential funds, citing testimony during Tuesday’s impeachment trial by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio.
Ortonio testified that he had personally advanced P150,000 to cover expenses related to the OVP’s confidential funds.
Castro said the testimony raised questions over why the office needed additional money despite having already received P125 million in confidential funds.
“So there was already P125 million. But that apparently was not enough, and an additional P150,000 was allegedly obtained from Lemuel Ortonio. This violates the rules,” she said.
Castro also questioned the use of cash advances to settle obligations incurred before confidential funds were received or withdrawn, saying such a practice was contrary to government rules.
She urged Duterte to first address the allegations surrounding her office before making accusations against the administration.
“So perhaps, it will be better for our vice president to look into all of these matters carefully so that the allegations she is making against the administration do not come back to her,” Castro said.
“It would be better for her to clear her office and prove that it did not commit any irregularities,” she added.
ia/xf
