House Approves P785-M Budget for Vice President’s Office in 2027

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday swiftly approved the Office of the Vice-President’s (OVP) P785.2-million budget for 2027, with lawmakers raising no further questions during the session. Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, the OVP is set to receive a budget 11.69% lower than this year’s P889.23-million allocation. Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio said the minority bloc had no additional questions about the OVP’s proposed spending, a position also agreed to by the majority bloc. Palawan Rep. Jose C. Alvarez, the OVP budget sponsor, said the lack of questions was not due to any prior agreement with minority lawmakers, who had already raised their concerns during earlier budget briefings. “Afterward, I simply expressed my thanks to avoid any negative perception within the House,” Mr. Alvarez told reporters in Filipino. “Our intention was to prevent any appearance of impropriety.” He denied speaking with minority lawmakers beforehand to ask them not to raise questions during the plenary session, adding that all concerns were already addressed during committee hearings. Mr. Alvarez noted that the OVP’s program headings remained similar to those of previous years, adding there was no need for further scrutiny. “The headings were just the same for the past two years,” he added. He also said government agencies are generally required to reduce their budgets amid revenue constraints, making budget cuts a standard practice rather than a targeted measure against any particular office. During committee deliberations, the OVP outlined plans to focus its programs on direct assistance to beneficiaries, including livelihood support, educational aid, emergency relief and food programs, free transportation and other targeted interventions. The agency said P193.1 million or 24.6% of its proposed budget would be allocated for various goods and grants under its socioeconomic programs. Asked whether the impeachment proceedings involving Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio had influenced the swift approval, Mr. Alvarez said: “I don’t think so.” He said the House’s treatment of the OVP budget was a matter of parliamentary courtesy, as lawmakers aim to complete the budget process by month end before sending the measure to the Senate for deliberation. — Pexcel John Bacon