House Panel Recommends Cutting OVP Budget from P2.037 Billion to P733.19 Million
OVP BUDGET – The House Committee on Appropriations has proposed a significant reduction in the 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President, cutting it from P2.037 billion to P733.19 million.
According to Senior Vice Chair Rep. Stella Quimbo, the P1.29 billion reduction would be reallocated to fund social services under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH). Specifically, the funds would support DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and DOH’s Medical Assistance Program, with each receiving P646.5 million. The budget cuts would affect various OVP items, including P200 million from supplies, P92.4 million from consultant personnel services, P947.4 million from financial assistance, P48 million from rent/lease expenses, and P5 million from utility expenses.
Despite the proposed reduction, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her office’s readiness to operate even without a budget. She did not attend the House hearing regarding the OVP’s 2025 budget proposal, fueling further debate.
Senate President Francis Escudero downplayed concerns that the OVP could receive a zero budget, emphasizing that while Congress has the authority to control budget allocation, such an action has not occurred in recent years. Escudero urged both the House and Senate to respect the legislative process and avoid unnecessary conflict. He acknowledged that disagreements could arise but stated that these issues could be resolved through voting.
Escudero cautioned against sensationalizing the budget deliberations, stressing that dramatic tensions do not contribute to resolving the country’s challenges. Meanwhile, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of Vice President Duterte, expressed concerns over a potential stalemate between the Senate and the House of Representatives. He noted that many senators might stand firm in support of Duterte’s original budget proposal, potentially leading to deadlock during the bicameral conference committee discussions.
Related Post: Sara Duterte Reacts To Rumored Defunding, Piso-Budget for OVP in 2025