ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro over the weekend announced her intention to oppose the budget allocation requested by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for fiscal year 2025, particularly the funds designated for social aid.
“Given the previous misuse of confidential funds, we must ensure that public funds are allocated and utilized properly. Hindi natin pwedeng payagan na maglaan ng hiwalay na budget para sa social services sa isang opisina na may kaduda-dudang track record (We cannot allow the allocation of a separate budget for a department that has a dubious track record),” Castro said.
She highlighted the alarming track record of Vice President Sara Duterte in managing public funds, citing the recent directive of the Commission on Audit (COA) for the Vice President to return ₱73 million in confidential funds that were disallowed due to improper use.
“The COA’s findings are clear. Kung hindi kayang i-manage nang tama ang ₱73 million na confidential funds, paano natin pagkakatiwalaan ng mas malaking halaga (If the OVP cannot properly manage its P73 million confidential funds, how can we entrust them an even higher budget?)This is about protecting taxpayers’ money from potential misuse,” she said.
During the last budget briefing, Castro noted that Duterte failed to provide adequate explanation on how taxpayers’ money was spent.
“We asked, and the Vice President could not give clear answers. ‘Sinimot’ niya ang confi funds pero ayaw niyang i-explain kung paano ginamit (She consumed entirely the confidential funds but she doesn’t want to explain how it was used).
“How can we, as lawmakers, justify giving her more funds when she cannot even account for the money she has already spent? Again, this is not about “politicizing” — ito ay tungkol sa pagprotekta ng pinaghirapan, pinagtrabahuan at pinagpawisang pera ng bawat Pilipino (this is about protecting the hard-earned money of every Filipino),” Castro pointed out.
The lawmaker also added that the budget for social services should be channeled directly to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) instead of being allocated separately to the OVP.
“The DSWD has the mandate and expertise to handle social services. By funneling the budget to the DSWD, we can ensure that the funds are used properly and reach those who need them most,” Castro said.
She suggested that the OVP, like senators, congressmen and LGU officials, receive allocations through the DSWD should they have specific initiatives that they wish to pursue.
“This approach not only promotes transparency and accountability but also ensures that funds are managed by an agency specifically trained and equipped to handle social welfare programs,” Castro said.
“As lawmakers, we are simply fulfilling our duty,” she said. “It is our responsibility to scrutinize how public funds are spent. We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that their money is used wisely, transparently, and for their benefit, not to enrich those in power,” Castro said
