Talks for land acquisitions ongoing for OVP permanent office — official

An official from the Office of the Vice President said Monday that negotiations for land acquisition are still ongoing for its permanent office.

At the budget deliberation of the Senate Finance Committee on the proposed OVP budget worth P2.385 billion for fiscal year 2024, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked the OVP about having a permanent office.

In response, chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez said the OVP is already considering sites for its permanent office.

"There is a plan, there is a... we're still under negotiations for land acquisition for the construction of our OVP permanent office," Lopez said.

Asked if it will be funded in the proposed 2024 budget, Lopez said, "It's still in the pipeline because it's still undergoing negotiations as to the matter of land acquisition. We are considering sites for the said OVP building."

"It is a planned project for the term of the Vice President," Lopez added.

Vice President Sara Duterte earlier said a permanent residence for the OVP is the “singular legacy” she wants to leave after her six-year term.

"The singular legacy that we want to leave after six years is a permanent residence for the future vice presidents," Duterte told reporters in Davao City in June last year.

Past occupants of the country's second-highest elective post have all held office in temporary locations.

For instance, former Vice Presidents Leni Robredo and Jejomar Binay used the Quezon City Reception House and Coconut Palace, respectively, as the headquarters of the OVP.

Last year, Atty. Reynold Munsayac, spokesperson of Vice President Duterte, said having a permanent office would result in stability and reduce the OVP's operating costs.

"This will result in stability and reduce cost in office operations, considering that future vice presidents will no longer need to rent temporary office to house their staff,” Munsayac had said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News