🔥 What Was the Video About?
In the video, Duterte issues a scathing critique of Senator Hontiveros, accusing her of “politicizing” budget hearings under the guise of oversight. She specifically addressed Hontiveros’s questions regarding the ₱10 million budget allocated for her children’s book Isang Kaibigan, arguing that the questioning reeks of political theater rather than genuine fiscal responsibility dailymotion.com+15dailymotion.com+15dailymotion.com+15reddit.com+2dailymotion.com+2clip.africa.com+2.
Duterte further challenged Hontiveros on claims that the Office of the Vice President’s assistance programs duplicated efforts of other agencies like the DSWD, hinting at political bias behind the attacks .
Senate Backing: Swift and Unanimous
Shockingly, the Senate, including both allies and critics of the Vice President, voted to formally endorse the video. The motion passed “forthwith”—a rare show of unity—demonstrating how Duterte’s message resonated even across partisan lines. Supporters defended her right to contextualize events and protect her office against what they labeled a smear campaign.
Why This Is a Big Deal
1. Escalation in Political Warfare
This video marks a hard turn in the escalating confrontation between Duterte and Hontiveros, already simmering amid the backdrop of the Vice President’s ongoing impeachment and accusations of confidential fund misuse .
2. Congressional Endorsement
It’s virtually unprecedented for the Senate to endorse a political figure’s video in such a manner. Typically, similar commentary triggers formal investigations or censure, but this time it clearly struck a chord.
3. Fueling the Impeachment Fire
Critics argue the video was released strategically as leverage, bolstering Duterte’s defense amid intensifying pressure over impeachment charges—including alleged assassination threats and corruption tribune.net.ph+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2dailymotion.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3newsinfo.inquirer.net+3.
Responses: Clash of Narratives
Hontiveros responds: The senator decried the Senate’s move, labeling it a “diversion tactic” aimed at distracting from Duterte’s own accountability. She maintained that her budgetary inquiries—especially about the children’s book—were fully within her constitutional role reddit.com+2dailymotion.com+2clip.africa.com+2.
Duterte camp stands firm: They assert the video simply defends the legitimacy of their programs and calls out politicization under the guise of oversight.
Public reaction: On social media, figures on both ends have rallied. Duterte’s supporters hailed her message as courageous, while opponents accused the Senate of abetting a smear campaign.
What Comes Next
The timing couldn’t be sharper—the Senate is already under scrutiny for delaying Duterte’s impeachment trial, prompting comparisons to “dribbling the ball” during a live game asiabiznetwork.com+1dailymotion.com+1. This video now injects fresh momentum into the conflict:
Hontiveros and allies are pushing to convene the impeachment court this week, warning that any delay would flout constitutional duty reddit.com+15gmanetwork.com+15reddit.com+15.
Senate majority faces pressure to end what critics call “procedural obstructions” and move toward trial .
Duterte camp, meanwhile, is framing this as a proper defensive response—vindicating not just the budget but the Vice President herself.
