House Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig Rep. Amparo Maria ‘Pammy’ Zamora on Thursday called on the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to postpone its November 29 hearing in deference to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) summoned Duterte so she can formally respond to allegations that she issued death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Zamora urged his fellow lawmakers at the Blue Ribbon panel to Duterte the time to address the ongoing NBI probe. The lawmaker stressed the need for the Vice President to focus fully on the investigation, given the gravity of the accusations.
“These are serious allegations that demand Vice President Duterte’s full attention and cooperation,” Zamora said. “The House Blue Ribbon Committee’s hearing can be rescheduled to allow the Vice President to focus on the NBI inquiry without distraction.”
Duterte had earlier committed to attending the House hearing, which is investigating her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure as education secretary.
However, Zamora argued that the NBI investigation takes precedence due to its significant implications for public trust and national governance.
“It is in the best interest of all parties and the nation to allow the Vice President to focus on this urgent matter and fully cooperate with the NBI investigation,” Zamora said.
“We can conduct the House hearing at a later time when these pressing concerns have been addressed,” she added.