Duterte's budget hearing absence part of pattern, lawmaker says

MANILA — Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong characterized Vice President Sara Duterte's possible skipping of the Office of the Vice President's budget hearings at the House of Representatives as consistent with her track record of declining to participate in official proceedings.

Adiong, representing Lanao del Sur, noted that Duterte has only appeared sporadically and contentiously at budget-related engagements for her office. The congressman's remarks came as Congress prepared to deliberate on appropriations for the vice presidential office in the coming fiscal year.

The lawmaker's statement underscores ongoing tensions between the executive office of the vice president and legislative budget processes. Duterte has previously drawn criticism from lawmakers over her participation in or absence from official government activities and consultations.

The budget hearings at the House of Representatives serve as a forum for executive officials to justify and explain their office's funding requests before Congress approves appropriations. Attendance by the respective officials is typically expected as part of standard government protocol and accountability procedures.