We laud the House of Representatives for listening to the people as it moved to redirect the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The OVP has a total of P500 million for its confidential fund in the proposed General Appropriations Act. The DepEd, which is also led by Vice President Sara Duterte, has P150 million.
Akbayan Party welcomes this development in the House. We have been consistent in our call for the realignment of Sara’s confidential funds to our West Philippine Sea frontliners. Panawagan din ito ng taumbayan, lalo na ng mga apektadong komunidad ng mga magigiting na Pilipinong mangingisda (This is also a call from the people, especially the affected communities of brave Filipino fishermen).
These are times when courage is necessary. Our Philippine Coast Guard showed courage when they recently dismantled China’s floating barrier. Our fisherfolk showed courage by continuing to fight for their livelihood. The members of the House also showed courage by standing up against a Duterte in their budget deliberations.
Kung kaya ni Sara na magwaldas ng milyun-milyong piso sa loob ng 11 days man o 19, ipinakita ng Kamara na kaya nitong tumindig laban sa pag-aaksaya ng pera ng mga mamamayan at para sa West Philippine Sea sa loob lamang ng isang araw.
(If Sara can squander millions of pesos in 11 days or 19, the House has shown that it can stand up against the waste of the people’s money and for the West Philippine Sea in just one day.)