Gov't to save P1.3 billion from cuts on VP Sara's budget —House leader

The government will save around P1.3 billion if the Senate adopts the House of Representatives' proposal to cut the proposed budget of Vice President Sara Duterte's office to P733 million from over P2 billion, appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co said Wednesday.

“By eliminating redundant roles [of providing aid], [the] government can save as much as P1.3 billion, which constitutes a significant portion of the OVP (Office of the Vice President) proposed P2.037 billion budget for 2025," Co said in a statement.

"The House believes this amount could be more effectively allocated to existing agencies, enabling them to extend their services to the public more efficiently,” he added.

The small House panel formed to finalize the House version of the 2025 budget retained the OVP's P733-million appropriations, which was earlier approved on third and final reading.

The P1.3 billion slashed from Duterte's office was supposed to go to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program (P646.5 million) and Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program (P646.5 million).

Several lawmakers earlier said that the programs could be handled by appropriate agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Co also highlighted the OVP spending of P53 million for the lease of 10 satellite offices and two extension offices nationwide in 2023.  He said the amount was high compared to the P4.1 million office rental expenses of then-Vice President Leni Robredo.

“These satellite offices are performing functions that should fall under existing government agencies, leading to unnecessary duplication and higher costs,” Co said.

“As the government faces increasing pressure to adopt more fiscally responsible practices, reducing the OVP’s redundant spending could be a key step toward ensuring more efficient governance,” he added.

The OVP, in response to House recommendation to cut its proposed 2025 budget, had said that it has provided medical, burial, and relief aid to 1.5 million beneficiaries as of August 31, 2024.

Duterte had said she would leave it up to Congress to decide how much budget should be allocated for her office, but she has also accused Co and Speaker Martin Romualdez of Leyte of controlling the budget.

Co and Romualdez have denied this, saying that Duterte should instead address the efficiency of her office's spending.—LDF, GMA Integrated News