Sara Duterte sought bigger OVP budget to fund aid programs, says exec

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) asked for bigger budget for 2023 to fund its assistance programs, an executive of the office said.

During the Senate finance committee hearing on OVP's proposed budget for 2023, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III noticed the difference between the OVP's P709-million original budget proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management and the P2.3 billion which was included in the NEP (National Expenditure Program).

"Ang sobra dito is P1.6 billion po. [Yan] ang sobrang bigay sa requested. May we know if you're really prepared to ramp up your activities because you only requested for P709 million?" Pimentel asked.

Vice President Sara Duterte tapped OVP chief budget officer Kelvin Gerome Tenido to explain the increase in the agency's budget.

Tenido, who also served under the previous vice president, explained that the P709 million was the proposal submitted under the term of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

It was increased when Duterte assumed office as the latter requested an additional budget for several assistance programs.

"With regard to the 2022 [2023] budget proposal, it was submitted under the term of Vice President Leni Robredo and upon the assumption of office of Vice President Sara Duterte, the OVP has consulted the DBM regarding the additional funding for 2023, specifically for the augmentation of the financial assistance subsidy for the operations of Magnegosyo Ta Day, the livelihood assistance, and the medical assistance program of the OVP," Tenido said.

"Further, we have also augmented the provision for the supplies and materials for the implementation of Pagbabago Campaign and then the provision for welfare goods during disaster and food boxes for individuals in crisis and emergencies," he added.

Asked by Pimentel if this means the incumbent vice president was the one who asked for a P2.3 billion budget, Tenida responded: "Yes, sir. We have consulted the DBM po."

According to the OVP's presentation at the Senate hearing, the P2.3 billion proposed budget is 223% higher than the P713.41 million budget given to the Vice President's office in 2022.—LDF, GMA News