Sara Duterte waives courtesy shields, answers House queries

Office of the Vice President budget sponsor Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez approaches Vice President Sara Duterte upon her arrival at the House appropriations committee hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte waived the parliamentary courtesy usually accorded to her by members of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations, allowing questions from the minority lawmakers.

At the appropriations hearing on the Office of the Vice President (OVP) proposed 2026 budget, Duterte permitted ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio to question her on low obligation rates and the disallowed OVP confidential funds.