Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon on Saturday called on the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to cease raising concerns over food expenses for Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal counsel, asserting that the OVP possesses adequate funds to cover the cost.
“Huwag tayong mag-drama-drama dito. Meron namang pera ang OVP para dito. It is just a matter of the Vice President actually signing off for the office,” Ridon, a member of the House prosecution panel, remarked during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
Ridon suggested that if Vice President Duterte prefers not to utilize OVP funds, she could cover her defense team’s catering expenses out of pocket.
“It is the Vice President who is on trial here. Kung ayaw niyang gamitin ang pondo ng OVP, baka magandang gamitin na lang ang personal niyang pondo,” he noted.
The lawmaker made the statement following online fundraising appeals from supporters aiming to cover meals for Duterte’s legal team.
He added that the Vice President could further conserve funds by limiting her international trips.
“Makakatulong siguro yun kung nandito siya sa Pilipinas at hindi niya ginagastos sa kanyang mga biyahe,” Ridon observed.
Duterte previously submitted a formal request asking the Senate to fund an OVP-accredited catering service for her attorneys, citing security concerns.
“It was the Vice President, to be clear, hindi OVP, ang nag-request nito. They wanted their own catering, but it will be the Senate who will pay for it,” Ridon clarified, emphasizing that the Senate bears no obligation to provide meals for either the defense or prosecution.
“Walang obligasyon ang Senado para magbigay ng pagkain, whether sa prosecution o sa depensa.”
When asked if allocating public funds from the OVP for legal defense meals is appropriate, Ridon expressed no objection.
“Kung para doon sa food expenses ng mga abogado, wala naman akong pagtutol. I mean, for her defense, wala tayong pagtutol,” he said. “I think it’s a legitimate use of the OVP funds naman. So pwede nilang gamitin yan.”
Ridon concluded by noting that, to their knowledge, the Vice President’s legal team is providing pro bono services.
“Ang understanding namin kasi, yung mga abogado ay volunteer lawyers of the Vice President. So we will leave it at that,” he stated.