Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.

— Former Kosovo president Atifete Jahjaga



MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — Vice President ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte-Carpio apparently faces a leadership crisis that has brought serious problems within her camp.

During the House of Representatives Quad Committee’s fifth public hearing on its probe over the OVP and Department of Education (DepEd)’s budget utilization, the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability of the House of Representatives, issued a contempt order against four officials linked to the OVP who refused to show up at the hearing. The Committee cited the following officials for contempt for their repeated unjustified absence during the congressional hearings: Lemuel Ortonio (OVP’s Bids and Awards Committee chair), Gina Acosta (special disbursing officer), Sunshine Fajarda (former education assistant secretary) and Edward Fajarda (husband of Sunshine Fajarda).

The House made eight attempts to serve subpoenas to these officials and their reasons for absence are questionable.

Two of them submitted written explanations, claiming that work-related trips outside Metro Manila in early November prevented their attendance. Supporting documents like travel orders and plane tickets were provided, but lawmakers found these justifications questionable. The timing and simultaneous nature of their trips were called into question, with some legislators suggesting it was a coordinated attempt to evade the hearings and hide the truth from the Committee and the people.

House Minority Leader and Quezon District II representative David ‘Jay-Jay’ Suarez pointed out the suspicious pattern, questioning why all officials happened to have overlapping travel schedules coinciding with the committee hearings.

Their blatant refusal to attend the ongoing budget probe is being seen as an orchestrated effort to avoid the hearing and a deliberate act of defiance, underscoring VP ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte-Carpio’s toxic culture of unaccountability and a leadership style that thrives on evasion.

Their defiance and refusal to participate in the congressional hearing shows a pattern of hiding and avoiding responsibility and accountability under the VP’s management, similar to her father. Lawmakers, tired of the repeated absences, are making it clear that they won’t accept these tactics anymore. The contempt order shows that the House is determined to hold the OVP accountable.

Duterte has called the investigation “unnecessary”. Instead of cooperating and showing that her office is honest, she has chosen to block and avoid questions. This shows poor leadership and a lack of respect for the public’s right to know. The funds in questions are not small amounts. The issue involves a large sum of public money which is very needed by our country right now specially in time of calamities.

The contempt order is not just about politics. It shows how weak Duterte’s leadership really is. Her handling of this issue makes her look secretive and unwilling to answer for her actions. With elections coming up, people are starting to doubt her more. This could be the turning point that damages her political future and shows that leadership built on avoiding responsibility cannot last forever.



* * *



FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171592256 and 09171656792 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!