Senate OKs OVP’s P733M allocation, but Go seeks to restore budget cuts

VP SARA DUTERTE composite image from Inquirer file photos

MANILA, Philippines — Senators swiftly ended on Wednesday the plenary discussion on the proposed 2025  funding for Vice President Sara Duterte’s office with her allies intending to restore the original budget proposal for her office.

It was Duterte’s known supporter Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa who moved for the approval of the P733.198 million budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) next year.

Sen. Cynthia Villar seconded his motion.

But before making the motion, Dela Rosa manifested on the Senate floor that he would introduce some amendments to the OVP budget during the period of interpellation.

Another Duterte ally, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, sought to raise or restore Malacanang’s original budget proposal of P2.03 billion for the OVP.

The original proposal was, however, cut by P1. 3 billion in the House of Representatives, leaving the OVP with only P733.198 million.

READ: House finalizes P1.3-B cut in 2025 OVP budget

“That’s why  I’m calling on our colleagues here to kindly support the addition or restoration of the funds approved under the NEP for 2025, so that our Vice President, who is part of the executive branch of the government, can carry out her duties properly,” Go said in Filipino.

“So that we would have a working Vice President, not just a spare tire. Our Vice President wants to work. Let’s not hinder someone who wants to do their job,” he added.

Sen. Grace Poe, who was defending the OVP’s budget as head of the Senate committee on finance, noted Go’s manifestation.

“At the proper time, Sen. Bong Go is free to introduce the amendments he would like to include for the Office of Vice President’s budget,” Poe said.

The OVP funding will still have to go through the period of amendments before the Senate votes on the final version on the third reading.