DBM working with OSG regarding answer to constitutionality of OVP’s CF

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during the Malacañang Palace briefing in this file photo taken on August 22, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is working with the Office of the Solicitor General following the Supreme Court’s (SC) order for her to answer the petition questioning the constitutionality of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds in 2022.

Vice President Sara Duterte and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin were also made to comment on the petition.

“Please be informed that the Budget secretary has already taken cognizance of the matter, and we are now working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General on this,” said the Department of Budget and Management in a statement to the media.

READ: SC to VP Sara: Answer petition on constitutionality of OVP’s P125M CF

The petition questioned the transfer of P125 million to the OVP in 2022, when such an allotment was not included in the General Appropriations Act for that year.

READ: SC asked to compel return of VP Sara Duterte’s 2022 secret funds

Petitioners, led by former Commission on Elections Chair Christian Monsod, wanted the SC to call the transfer unconstitutional. They also want Duterte to return the funds to the national treasury.