Senator Risa Hontiveros is taking a stand against what she deems as an „improper“ request for a P10-million fund for the Isang Kaibigan (A Friend) book in the proposed 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President. Hontiveros, who had a heated exchange with Vice President Sara Duterte over the issue, questioned the appropriateness of seeking government funds for a book authored by the Vice President herself.
In a news briefing, Hontiveros expressed her concerns about using taxpayer money to distribute a book written by a government official. She emphasized that if an individual is the author of a book, government funds should not be used for its distribution. Hontiveros stated that she believes the realignment of this fund request is necessary and appropriate.
The Office of the Vice President’s proposed 2025 budget of P2.037 billion, which is an 8.05% increase from its 2024 budget, has been approved by the Senate panel on finance. Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate finance subcommittee, recommended the budget for plenary discussion. However, Hontiveros raised questions about the Isang Kaibigan fund request during the Senate panel deliberations, leading to a contentious exchange with Vice President Duterte.
Isang Kaibigan is part of the OVP’s PagbaBAGo Campaign, where one million beneficiaries will receive bags containing the book. The book, published by the OVP, tells the story of Kwago (Owl) who receives help from his friend Loro (Parrot) in times of need, emphasizing the value of true friendship.
During the Senate budget hearing, Duterte defended the book’s content and accused Hontiveros of politicizing the issue. Duterte expressed concerns that her authorship of the book could be misconstrued as an attempt to win over voters, particularly the parents of the book’s recipients.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Isang Kaibigan fund request, the OVP’s budget proposal has moved forward for further discussion in the Senate. Hontiveros‘ stance on the realignment of the fund highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending.
In conclusion, Senator Risa Hontiveros‘ push for the realignment of the P10-million fund request for the Isang Kaibigan book sheds light on the need for ethical considerations in government expenditures. Her efforts to ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly and appropriately reflect her commitment to upholding good governance practices. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what implications it may have for future budget allocations.