‘No let up in OVP confidential fund probe’

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has given assurance that there will be “no let up” in the House of Representatives’ investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged mishandling of government funds, despite what he describes as her troubling display of anger recently.

At a press conference yesterday, Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop asserted that the chamber is committed to perform its duties, which is the lawmakers’ “primordial consideration.”

“That is our job and therefore, there should be no let up to show what really happened insofar as the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) when she was still the secretary,” Acop said.

Asked about Duterte’s emotional outburst during her media briefing last week, Acop expressed concern over what he perceived as her loss of composure.

“I think she is being overwhelmed by anger and hate. If a person is very, very angry, I think that person (is prone) to lose the sense of decency,” he added.

Managing one’s emotions in difficult times is a reflection of character, according to the lawmaker, suggesting that Duterte’s anger may be affecting her judgment.

“How you manage your hatred, it’s also a test of character,” he pointed out.

The House committee on good government and public accountability is investigating Duterte on allegations that she misused millions of pesos in confidential funds of the OVP and DepEd.

Despite the allegations, Duterte has refused to answer to clear her name.

Acop said the House would not ease up on its mandate to investigate the matter, as he emphasized that providing any leeway would go against the responsibility of lawmakers to uphold transparency.

“If we give leeway, it is not in accordance with our mandate. That’s how we see it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III described as “strange” the words uttered by Duterte in her press conference that mostly criticized President Marcos, saying “she needs to talk to some professionals, close friends or family.”

Pimentel said he even thought that AI (artificial intelligence) was speaking during the two-hour press conference last Friday and not the