MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives' Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Tuesday resumed its investigation into the fund use of the Department of Education (DepEd) when Vice President Sara Duterte was its secretary and of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

Some of the invited resource persons from the OVP were not present.

In a letter dated November 5, they said, among others, that the subject of the discussions in the inquiry was "not in aid of legislation" and that the House Committee on Appropriations "had the proper jurisdiction on the issues raised."

They also said that they have a "right to respectfully refuse to participate in the" investigation.

They also said that "extreme caution must be made when discussing... issues that are pending before the Supreme Court lest we violate the rule on sub judice".

The letter was signed by Zuleika Lopez, Lemuel Ortonio, Rosalynne Sanchez, Julieta Villadelrey, Gina Acosta, Sunshine Charry Fajarda, and Edward Fajarda.

A similar letter was signed by Norman Baloro, Winnie Dayego, Kelvin Gerome Teñido, Zuhairah Abas, Jeizel Cone Asia, Rolmar Basalan, Maria Laiza Pamittan-Frogoso, Ma. Constancia Lim, Chris Sorongon, Michael Angelo Saavedra, Maximo Alexis Tan, Alan Tanjuakio, and Regina Rosa Tecson.

Meanwhile, in a letter, Ma. Edelyn Rabago asked the committee to excuse her from participating because "I do not have the competence to respond to the inquiries of the Committee."

"It is my understanding that I have been invited in my capacity as an Officer-in-Charge of the Budget Division, which I only temporarily held this year. However, I no longer hold that position since September 30, 2024," Rabago said.

Duterte attended the first day of the investigation on September 18, during which she had accused lawmakers of making a case for her impeachment, which the House leadership denied.

Later, in a letter dated September 23, she had informed Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, the committee's chairman, that she "will not be attending the deliberation" and stated her reasons.

Duterte had said that verification could be easily done "through the accomplishment reports submitted by the OVP to support its 2025 budget proposal, and confirmed through various news reports, COA reports and postings on various social media platforms."

CoA stands for Commission on Audit.

"Clearly, the conduct of a formal inquiry or hearing on the matter is unnecessary," Duterte had said.

She had also reiterated her request to end the probe "immediately."