By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s declining trust and approval ratings, two prominent leaders from the House of Representatives’ “Young Guns” are raising serious concerns about her accountability, describing the situation as a growing issue in public perception.

House Assistant Majority Leaders Jay Khonghun of Zambales and Paolo Ortega of La Union said Filipinos are seeking clear answers regarding the controversies surrounding Duterte’s questionable use of confidential funds, both in her current role and during her tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Vice President Duterte’s dropping trust ratings signal a critical problem in how people perceive her,” Khonghun stated. “When a public official faces unexplained controversies, it becomes difficult for people to trust them. If these issues aren’t addressed, it could seriously damage her credibility in the long term.”

Recent data from the OCTA Research survey reflects a six-point decline in Duterte’s trust rating, now at 59%, and an eight-point drop in her performance rating, which has fallen to 52% from a previous high of 87% last year.

Khonghun highlighted pressing issues that require immediate explanation, including an alleged P15 million in confidential funds purportedly allocated for a youth leadership summit—funds that the military later denied receiving—as well as a P16 million expense for renting safe houses in late 2022.

“If these controversies aren’t clarified, how can she expect people to trust her in the future? Trust is earned through transparency and accountability, qualities essential for every public servant,” Khonghun said.

Echoing Khonghun’s sentiments, Ortega noted that Duterte’s steep drop in ratings illustrates how public trust can erode when accountability is ignored.

“From a high of 87% in March 2023 to 59% today, that’s a significant decline,” Ortega pointed out. “People want leaders they can trust. To maintain public confidence, leaders must be open and transparent.”

Ortega also stressed that ignoring these controversies could undermine Duterte’s credibility if she intends to remain in public service. “Silence is not an option, especially when the public is closely watching,” he added.

Both lawmakers emphasized that disregarding public concerns risks setting a low standard for government accountability.

“The duty to address issues that could undermine public trust should be a priority. If VP Duterte continues to avoid these controversies, it sets a troubling example for accountability in government,” Khonghun remarked.

“A true leader does not hide behind controversy. She should demonstrate to the public that she has nothing to hide and is willing to address these issues openly,” Ortega stated.

During a recent hearing by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, retired Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, Lt. Col. Carlos Sangdaan Jr., and Colonels Manaros Boransing and Magtangol Panopio denied receiving a P15 million payment from confidential funds allegedly allocated to pay informants.

These military officials issued certifications for Youth Leadership Summits (YLS), a regular anti-insurgency program led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2023. However, DepEd reportedly used these certifications to justify a P15 million expense for informant rewards instead.

Lawmakers expressed shock at the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) use of P16 million in confidential funds to rent 34 safe houses for just 11 days in the last quarter of 2022. Some safe houses cost nearly P91,000 per day—higher than rates at high-end resorts like Shangri-La Boracay.

Rep. Joel Chua of Manila’s 3rd District, who chairs the committee, questioned whether these safe houses were indeed luxurious properties, noting that similar rentals in Bonifacio Global City typically cost around P90,000 per month, significantly lower than the daily rate of P91,000 paid by the OVP.

Khonghun and Ortega concluded by emphasizing the importance of transparency, stating that as public servants, leaders owe it to the people to be open and accountable, especially when public funds are involved.

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