KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron Salo strongly rebuked former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for his recent accusations that the House of Representatives is politicizing the removal of the confidential funds sought by Vice President Sara Duterte for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education in the 2024 national budget.
“Harry Roque’s allegations of politicization within the House of Representatives are not only unfounded but profoundly hypocritical, especially in light of his past membership in the very institution he now criticizes,” Salo said.
The partylist lawmaker questioned the credibility of Roque, who was a former representative of KABAYAN Partylist. However, he was expelled from the party due to his conduct during a congressional probe into the drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison in 2017.
“It’s ironic that someone with such a history now seeks to lecture the House on political matters,” Salo said.
“The House’s decision to remove the confidential funds was executed in strict adherence to established protocols and, above all, to serve the best interests of the Filipino people, free from any political ulterior motives, after thorough public hearings,” Salo pointed out.
He also deemed as “highly inappropriate and baseless” Roque’s assertion that extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses pose a more significant concern for public accountability than confidential funds.
Salo maintains that this perspective is doubtful, emphasizing the crucial need for thorough documentation and transparency when dealing with public funds and accountability.
Salo also questioned the motive of Roque in issuing baseless allegations against the House.
“Roque’s inflamatory statements appear to be more of a publicity stunt. Perhaps he wants to relish his days when he was still the presidential spokesperson and the center of media attention,” Salo remarked.
Salo encourages the public to “focus on government transparency and accountability, rather than being swayed by baseless allegations.”
