House Appro chair welcomes Senate’s move to uphold OVP budget cuts
HOUSE appropriations committee chairman Rep. Zaldy Co welcomed the Senate’s decision to uphold the P1.3 billion budget cut to the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2025 budget.
In a statement, Rep. Co lauded the Senate for standing as an independent, co-equal body, aligned with the position of the Lower House that a significant portion of the OVP’s budget is allocated to overlapping functions with existing government agencies.
“We’re grateful that the Senate has shown a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency,” Rep. Co said. “This move underscores our shared commitment to eliminate redundant roles and ensure government spending prioritizes efficient public service.”
A significant portion of the savings stem from a reduction in the OVP’s satellite office rental expenses. In 2023, the OVP reportedly allocated P53 million to lease 10 satellite offices and two extensions nationwide, a stark increase from the previous administration’s annual office rental expense of P4.1 million. This cut is expected to generate millions of pesos in savings by curbing costs linked to roles and functions already handled by established government departments.
“The establishment of these satellite offices has led to duplicated services, which are better managed by agencies like DSWD and DOH,” Rep. Co noted. He said these resources could be better allocated to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).
These two programs, benefiting from the reallocation of P646.5 million each, will provide targeted support to vulnerable sectors. By reducing the OVP’s budget, government funds will bolster DSWD and DOH services, supporting more medical and financial aid to the public.
Rep. Co stressed his commitment to prudent budgeting and the elimination of unnecessary government expenditures. “The Senate’s support of the OVP budget cuts is a significant step toward ensuring that each peso serves the public effectively,” he said, adding that streamlined government spending paves the way for a more efficient and transparent fiscal administration.
