IPINAHAYAG ni House Assistant Majority Leader at La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V nitong Lunes ang kanyang matinding pagkabahala kaugnay sa mga ulat at litrato na kumakalat sa social media, na nagsasabing nagbakasyon si Vice President Sara Duterte sa Calaguas Island habang isinasagawa ang budget deliberations para sa Office of the Vice President (OVP) sa Kongreso.

“If these reports are accurate, it is deeply concerning that the Vice President chose leisure over fulfilling her official constitutional duties to the nation. The budget deliberation is a critical process, one that ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” ani Ortega.

Dagdag pa ng mambabatas, “The budget of the OVP is not just a number; it represents the people’s money. The Vice President should be present to answer questions and justify the allocations, especially since her office plays a significant role in national governance.”

Binigyang-diin niya ang kahalagahan ng pagiging accountable at responsable ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno, lalo na kapag pinag-uusapan ang pera ng mga mamamayan.

“While acceptable reasons for absence include personal emergencies or health issues, choosing to relax at a beach resort during a pivotal moment in Congress is a clear disregard for the responsibilities of her position,” pahayag ng mambabatas.

Pinaalala rin ng mambabatas ang posibleng negatibong epekto ng umano’y pagliban ni Duterte, partikular sa pagpapaliban ng budget deliberations. “This isn’t just about one office — delays in discussions affect public trust in government institutions and hinder the delivery of essential services to the people,” aniya.

Dagdag pa rito, binanggit ni Ortega na ang kinatawan mula sa OVP na dumalo bilang kapalit ni Duterte ay walang pormal na awtorisasyon at hindi nakapagbigay ng paliwanag ukol sa kanyang pagliban.

“Congress deserves the proper respect and transparency when it comes to official deliberations. Sending someone without any clear authorization or explanation does not help the situation,” ani Ortega.

Tinapos niya ang kanyang pahayag sa panawagang magbigay ng maayos na paliwanag si Bise Presidente Duterte ukol sa kanyang kinaroroonan at ang mga dahilan ng kanyang pagliban.

“The Filipino people deserve an explanation. Public officials, especially those in high office, should lead by example in accountability, responsibility, and commitment to duty. We urge the Vice President to address this matter with urgency and transparency,” pahayag ni Ortega.

Binigyang-diin ng mambabatas ang kahalagahan ng pagpapanagot sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno at siguraduhing ang pondo ng bayan ay ginagamit ng tama para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino.