Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua on Friday expressed hopes that Vice President Sara Duterte would attend the upcoming committee hearing instead of submitting an affidavit explaining her side.
Chua stressed the importance of her presence in addressing the questions the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability members has.
“We have done our part to ensure she has a platform to address these issues in full view of the public. Now, the choice is hers: attend and clarify, or refuse and raise further doubts,” Chua said.
Chua said that the committee’s goal is to fulfill their duty of maintaining transparency and accountability for the people.
“The House remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect taxpayer money,” he stressed. “We trust that the Vice President will take this opportunity to directly address the public’s concerns, as every official entrusted with public funds should,” he said.
In a media interview on Friday, Vice President Duterte announced that she is no longer attending succeeding hearings but promised to submit a formal letter of refusal to attend and an affidavit all about the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President.
In addition, she promised that her letter would be “under oath,” therefore maintaining its integrity.
Chua assured that they will review the affidavit, however it would be agreeable that her presence in the hearing would be preferrable instead of an affidavit.
“We will examine her affidavit if she formally submits it. However, we would prefer her appearance before the committee to clarify all matters related to her confidential funds,” Chua said.