HOUSE Appropriations Committee chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has 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, 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,” This move underscores our shared commitment to eliminate redundant roles and ensure government spending prioritizes efficient public service,” Co said.

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,” Co noted.

It can be recalled that the House of Representatives has reduced the budget of the OVP from P2 billion to just P733 million and allocated the funds to 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.

Co stressed his commitment to prudent budgeting and the elimination of unnecessary government expenditures.

The Senate to adopt the House of Representative budget for the Office of the Vice President?

This after the Senate has begun its examination of the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, underscoring its role as a comprehensive plan for the country’s priorities and public service commitments.

In the Senate hearings, Senator Grace Poe confirmed that the Senate Finance Committee had reached out to the OVP several times to request additional documentation to clarify issues related to their budget.

“Yes. We reached out several times to the Office of the Vice President requesting them to submit documents to clarify issues regarding their budget, but they have not submitted as of today,” she stated. Poe added, “So, we decided to retain the GAB amount pending submission and review of these documents.” This decision reflects the Senate’s cautious approach to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.

Reportedly, Vice President Sara Duterte responded to the budget reduction, expressing the OVP’s readiness to continue its operations even with a smaller budget. She affirmed that the office would work within the funds provided, committed to continuing service to the Filipino people despite the budget cut.

Senator Joel Villanueva, a senior vice chairperson of the Committee on Finance, also voiced his strong support for the overall budget. He stressed its importance in achieving economic goals and addressing the needs of workers, both locally and abroad. Villanueva emphasized the budget’s support for agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which play critical roles in supporting the workforce at home and overseas.

As the budget discussions move forward, lawmakers remain intent on ensuring that every allocation in the 2025 budget genuinely contributes to enhancing the lives of Filipinos and supporting the nation’s future. Jester Manalastas, Camille P. Balagtas

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