By Patricia Francia Lachica

Like the Office of the President, the House Committee on Appropriations swiftly terminated the P2.3 billion 2023 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in less than ten minutes at the House of Representatives.

"Days from assuming office, the OVP has been very active. Within that short period, various satellite offices have been established all over the country, which enabled the government to expand the reach of its social services," expressed Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy Co. 

The chairperson further said that the House fully supports the proposed P2.3 billion budget of the OVP for 2023 and expressed that the committee has its "full confidence" in the OVP's performance. Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez likewise lauded Vice President Sara Duterte for her exemplary leadership.

"You have exhibited once more your exemplary brand of leadership by showing up at the House Committee of Appropriations hearing to defend the budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd)," said the house speaker. 
 
“Umasa kayo na katulong ninyo kaming mga mambabatas sa 19th Congress sa paghahanap ng sapat na pondo para sa mga programa at proyekto ng OVP at DepEd Philippines  na magpapataas ng kalidad ng pamumuhay ng mga kababayan nating Pilipino,” he added. 

(You may count on us legislators in the 19th Congress where we can help to find adequate funds for the programs and projects of the OVP and DepEd Philippines, which will also increase the quality of life of our fellow Filipinos)
 
Additionally, Vice President Sara Duterte thanked the House members for their support and stated that her office is always open for "collaboration" in helping the Filipino people. 
 
"Thank you for the continued support for the budget, to all the programs, activities, and projects of the Office of the Vice President. We continue to support as well the legislative districts of the honorable members of the House of the Representatives," said VP Sara Duterte. 
 
No interpellation allowed?
 
Meanwhile, Makabayan lawmakers revealed that they were on an interpellation "waiting list" for the 2023 budget of the Office of the Vice President. However, the bloc was not "again allowed" to question the approved allocation.

"Congress should stop this practice of servility to the president and the vice president. It should perform its mandate of guarding the hard-earned funds of the people," said ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro. 
 
Moreover, Gabriela Women's Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas also said that every Filipino has the right to scrutinize and question the funds of every agency since it is the taxpayers' money being used. 
 
“This is a clear disregard for the Filipino people's right to scrutinize the budget of government offices. Karapatan natin na malaman saan nga ba mapupunta ang P2.292 billion na pondo na sinalaksak sa opisina ng bise presidente,” stated Brosas. 

(It is our right to know where the P2.292 billion funds are being used in the Office of the Vice President)