IN a move marked by efficiency and strong support, a Senate finance subcommittee on Monday approved the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed P902.895 million budget for fiscal year 2026 in under an hour.
The swift approval was facilitated by a motion of parliamentary courtesy, highlighting the Senate’s confidence in the OVP’s fiscal planning.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri initiated the motion, emphasizing that the OVP’s 2026 proposed budget was already “lean and mean,” suggesting a commitment to efficient spending.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa seconded the motion, with several other senators expressing their support for the OVP’s budget allocation. With no objections raised, Senate finance committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian swiftly approved the motion, allowing the budget to pass through the subcommittee.
Vice President Sara Duterte personally attended the Senate budget deliberations to present and defend her office’s budget proposal.
Notably, the OVP is not requesting any confidential funds for the upcoming fiscal year, signaling a focus on transparent and accountable spending. The rapid approval and absence of contentious issues underscore the strong working relationship between the Senate and the OVP, as well as a shared commitment to responsible governance.
