Sen. Risa Hontiveros had a witty reply to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s statement about the controversy surrounding the 2022 confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President. Hontiveros pulled a meme from her arsenal, specifically one starring Bea Alonzo, which definitely earned her points on the Internet. Here’s what happened.

Vice President Sara Duterte thanks her supporters

STATEMENT

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and to several officials of the Marcos administration who stood by the Office of the Vice President as it faced the storm of attacks on the 2022 Confidential Fund. pic.twitter.com/i4fNk8umSm

— Sara Duterte (@indaysara) September 10, 2023

In an official statement posted on September 11, Duterte expressed her “heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to several officials of the Marcos administration who stood by the Office of the Vice President as it faced the storm of attacks on the 2022 Confidential Fund.” She was referring to the transfer of P125 million in confidential funds to her office in 2022.

During a Senate hearing, Risa Hontiveros called the budget illegal, especially since (a) there was no item for it in the 2022 OVP budget and (b) former Vice President Leni Robredo, did not have any in 2021. However, despite some members of the Senate expressing doubts, the Senate panel approved Duterte’s proposed OVP PHP 2.3 billion 2024 budget including the PHP 500 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).

After the hearing, Duterte posted her statement on social media which quickly turned personal as she thanked her supporters and singled out those in the opposition.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros uses a Bea Alonzo meme

https://t.co/ksuRTi10nv pic.twitter.com/Dj7ycU1KYd

— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) September 11, 2023

Reacting to Duterte’s statement, Hontiveros clapped back with an iconic Pinoy meme. It’s from the classic movie Four Sisters and a Wedding, the scene where Bea Alonzo’s character, Bobbie, tearfully admits that she knows she’s not the favorite child. “Pero bakit parang kasalanan ko?” Alonzo as Bobbie says.

Hontiveros used the meme in response to Duterte saying, “Senator Risa Hontiveros, while she amuses the nation with her flair for drama, could only wish the 2022 OVP CF [confidential funds] was accessed illegally.”

“It’s a shame they still cannot produce any proof to support their dirty imagination,” Duterte added.

Scrolling through the replies on her meme post, it’s clear the Internet found the whole thing entertaining.

Trabaho lang, walang drama

@senrisahontiveros FULL STATEMENT with ✨dramatic flair✨ #senrisa #senatorrisa #risahontiveros #news #philippines #confidentialfunds #confidentialfundsnisaraduterte #vpsara #vpsaraduterte #senate #news #philippines ♬ original sound – Risa Hontiveros

Aside from the meme, Hontiveros defended her interrogation with a strongly worded video statement.

“Trabaho lang, walang drama,” she starts, addressing Duterte. “Akala ko ba, VP Sara, the OVP can live without confidential funds? Bakit parang pinagpapawisan na yata kayo diyan, budget hearing pa lang?”

“If you’re so confident about those confidential funds, then defend them publicly.” she added.

Hontiveros also responded to VP Duterte’s comment that her interrogation is “amusing.”

“Gagawin mo lang ang trabaho mo, ‘amusing’ na agad? Kung meron mang ‘amusing,’ ‘yan ay ‘yung halos kalahating oras na turo-turo, pag-iwas sa tanong, paikot-ikot na sagot, at pagbabalu-baluktot ng sitwasyon. Ginawa nilang perya ang basic na proseso ng pagbusisi ng pera ng bayan,” she said.

Hontiveros condemned resorting to personal attacks and said that it would be easier if the OVP were transparent with its budget.

“Given the significant responsibility of government officials, I expect a shred of competence when it comes to fiscal matters — like any Filipino taxpayer. Kaysa sa mga personal na atake at pag-iwas sa tanong, mas maganda sigurong kung linawin na lang si VP Sara ang pondo ng opisina nya,” Hontiveros said.

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