The Philippine government could save around P1.3 billion if the Senate approves a proposal by the House of Representatives to reduce Vice President Sara Duterte’s office budget for 2025, House Appropriations Committee Chairperson Zaldy Co announced on Wednesday.
Initially, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) requested a budget of over P2 billion, but the House suggested lowering it to P733 million. Co explained that by cutting out overlapping services, like providing financial assistance, the government could save a significant amount.
Co said, “The House believes this saved amount could be better used by other existing agencies, allowing them to serve the public more effectively.”
The House panel in charge of finalizing the 2025 budget kept the OVP’s P733-million allocation, which has already passed its third and final reading.
The proposed P1.3-billion reduction includes funds that were initially planned for assistance programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (P646.5 million) and Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (P646.5 million). Many lawmakers believe that these programs should be handled by agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Co also pointed out that in 2023, the OVP spent P53 million on renting 10 satellite offices and two extension offices across the country, much higher than the P4.1 million spent by former Vice President Leni Robredo for the same purpose. Co commented, “These satellite offices are duplicating functions that are already handled by other government agencies, leading to extra costs.”
He added that cutting these unnecessary expenses could help the government adopt more fiscally responsible practices, ensuring better use of resources.
In response to the House’s recommendations, the OVP noted that it had already provided medical, burial, and relief assistance to 1.5 million beneficiaries as of August 31, 2024. Vice President Duterte said it is up to Congress to decide on her office’s budget, though she has accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co of controlling it.
Both Romualdez and Co have denied these accusations, instead urging Duterte to focus on improving how her office spends its funds.
