The House Committee on Appropriations has proposed reducing the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget for 2025 from P2.037 billion to P733.19 million. Senior Vice Chair Rep. Stella Quimbo stated that the P1.29 billion cut would be reallocated to programs for indigents under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH).
“The committee’s recommendation is to realign the budget to essential programs for our indigent citizens,” said Quimbo, explaining that P646.5 million will go to DOH’s Medical Assistance Program, and another P646.5 million to DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.
The proposed cuts would come from various OVP allocations, including P200 million from supplies, P92.4 million from personnel services for consultants, and P947.4 million from financial assistance.
While the committee has unanimously approved the recommendation, Quimbo clarified, “This is not the final approval of Congress. It is merely a recommendation for the plenary debate, which will start on September 16.”
Vice President Sara Duterte, who did not attend the budget hearing, responded, saying her office is “ready to work even without a budget.” Despite concerns, Senate President Francis Escudero downplayed the possibility of defunding the OVP entirely. “While zero budget is possible, it has never happened to the OVP in recent years,” he said.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, an ally of Duterte, warned of a possible stalemate between the Senate and the House regarding the OVP budget, stating, “If neither side gives in, there could be a deadlock during the bicameral conference.”