Pimentel to seek deletion of OVP’s P500 million confidential fund ‘at the proper time’

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday said that at the proper time, he would move for the deletion of the Office of the Vice President's P500 million confidential fund.

During the plenary session on the OVP’s budget, Pimentel said the inclusion of confidential funds under the OVP could not be justified by its mandate under the 1987 Constitution, which was to fill in the position of the president in case of death, illness, or unavailability.

“In my personal opinion, such a mandate cannot justify the giving of confidential funds for confidential expenses,” he said. 

GMA Integrated News sought comment from the OVP on the matter but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

OVP deserves support

When asked if the needs of another agency can be a reasonable justification to move for the deletion of the confidential funds, Senator Sonny Angara said the Senate should not be prejudiced against the OVP.

“Although PhilPost may have a need, I think we should look for other sources and not prejudice the OVP. That’s the second-highest official of the land. We should want her to succeed,” Angara said.

“I think the office deserves our support,” he added.

In response, Pimentel said the OVP was given a P2.3 billion budget for 2023.

“Kung i-subtract natin ‘yung P500 million, ang balanse po noon P1.8 billion for one calendar year. Do we still say that we are not supportive of the OVP even with the P1.8 billion budget,” Pimentel asked.

Angara, however, said the Senate had never decreased the budget of the OVP.

This OVP received a P713,408,000 budget in the current fiscal year.

Trust

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go manifested his support for the OVP’s budget.

“Malaki po ang aking tiwala kay Vice President Sara Duterte. Alam ko pong magiging malaking tulong ang mga programa nya para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The Senate closed the interpellation and submitted the P2.3 billion budget of the OVP for the consideration of the plenary.

In a statement, Sara thanked the senators for the approval of the OVP budget.

"My deepest gratitude to the members of the Philippine Senate for approving the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President in a decision that demonstrates confidence and trust by the honorable senators of the integrity, commitment, and dedication of the OVP to good governance and public service," Sara said.

"The approval bolsters the OVP’s determination to ensure that social services and other government programs and projects reach communities and bring about positive development and provide solutions to the problems of our fellow Filipinos across the country — especially those who are living in underprivileged communities and those battered by natural calamities and armed conflicts," she added. — DVM/NB, GMA Integrated News