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HOUSE PANEL CITES 4 OVP EXECS IN CONTEMPT, VP SARA DEFENDS STAFF

admin November 12, 2024

FOR repeatedly “snubbing” the ongoing inquiry, the House Committee on Good Government and Accountability on Monday cited in contempt four officials of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

The four were Lemuel Ortonio, Gina Acosta, Sunshine Charry Fajarda, and Edward Fajarda.

The Fajardas were formerly from the Department of Education (DepEd).

Following the contempt citation, committee vice chair Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop moved to detain the four at the House premises until the inquiry concludes and the committee report is submitted for plenary approval.

Meanwhile, four other OVP officials attended Monday’s hearing. They were Administrative and Financial Services Director Rosalynne Sanchez, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey, Budget Division chief Edelyn Rabago and chief administrative officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido.

The committee withheld action on OVP Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez, who left the country on November 4, a day before her subpoenaed appearance.

Lopez submitted a letter explaining she had traveled to the United States to accompany her ailing aunt for intensive medical care, citing her legal designation as a caretaker.

The House panel is conducting an inquiry into he alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and the Education Department when Duterte was DepEd secretary.

Meanwhile, in a press conference in Bacolod City, VP Sara firmly denied allegations that there was malicious intent behind the issuance of travel orders to key members of her staff, resulting in their non-appearance at the House.

“That is not true. There is no malice in that. The OVP’s anniversary is on November 15. I myself am not at the central office. Because there are ongoing Thanksgiving activities in the various satellite offices. The OVP is busy right now, Duterte explained.

Duterte stood by her office’s decision to allow her staff to travel despite being summoned to the House, asserting that the hearings are “politically motivated” anyway.