THE House appropriations panel has recommended a P1.29 billion reduction to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Sara Duterte’s proposed P2 billion budget for 2025.
During a press conference on Thursday, House Appropriations Committee Chair Representative Rep. Stella Quimbo explained that the decision was made due to a “lack of information” regarding the OVP’s budget proposal.
The panel recommended a budget of P733,198 million for the OVP, representing a cut of P1.29 billion. This decision was made despite Vice President Duterte’s statement on Tuesday that the OVP is prepared to operate with a “zero budget” in 2025.
“Handa kami. Handa ako sa Office of the Vice President na mag-trabaho kahit walang budget. Maliit lang ‘yung opisina namin. Maliit lang ‘yung operations namin kaya kayang-kaya namin na mag-trahabo kahit walang budget,” Duterte said.
(We are ready. I am ready in the Office of the Vice President to work even without a budget. Our office is small. Our operations are small so we can afford to work even without a budget.)
The P1.29 billion cut will be realigned to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients.
“In other words, these are the two very important social protection programs of the government,” Quimbo added.
The funds were sourced from the OVP’s proposed budget for financial assistance, professional services, utility expenses, supplies and materials, as well as lease expenses.
