MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Thursday defended its “good governance” and confidential funds under its proposed P2.922 billion budget for 2023, saying the money would be used specifically for social services, as well as peace and order and national security programs.
According to OVP spokesperson Reynold Munsayac, the requested P2.2 billion fund for the “good governance” program will be utilized primarily for the OVP’s public assistance plans.
“‘Yung bulto ng OVP budget papasok sa basic social services na pino-provide natin ngayon, andiyan ‘yung financial subsidy, medical assistance, burial assistance, at ‘yung libreng sakay, pati ‘yung livelihood programs,” Munsayac explained in a press conference.
(The bulk of the OVP budget will go into the essential social services that we provide, such as the financial subsidy, medical assistance, burial assistance, free ride, and livelihood programs.)
He said these aids will be directly given to the public as the OVP now has seven satellite offices nationwide.
“So ang intention talaga ng OVP ay maging available itong mga services at assistance na ito sa karamihan ng mga kababayan lalo na sa malalayong lugar,” Munsayac noted.
(So, OVP intends to make these services and assistance available to most people, especially those in remote areas.)
FILE PHOTO: OVP spokesperson Atty. Reynold Munsayac
The OVP official further explained that the P500 million fund for the OVP’s “confidential expenses” will be used based on the parameters set by the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit through Joint Circular No. 2015-01, or the guidelines on the utilization of confidential funds.
Munsayac insisted: “The position and mandate of the Vice President allow her to utilize those kinds of funds regarding peace and order and national security,” noting that the OVP’s livelihood projects will be implemented in conflict areas.
“So sisiguraduhin po namin na ito pong pondo na ito ay gagamtin ng tama at para suportahan lang ang programa ng OVP,” he said.
(So we will make sure that this fund will be used correctly and only to support the OVP’s programs.)
When asked why the proposed 2023 budget of the current OVP is way bigger than the yearlong budget of the previous OVP, Munsayac said that it might be because of the difference in prioritized projects.
“Siguro noong nakaraang administrasyon meron silang certain projects at ‘yung budget nila ay sufficient na para doon,” he said.
(Maybe during the previous administration, they had certain projects and their budget was sufficient.)
He then assured the public that there would be transparency in utilizing the good governance and confidential funds by the current OVP.
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