Senate Majority Cool to OVP's Catering Request

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is unlikely to grant the Office of the Vice President’s request for the chamber to shoulder the food and beverage expenses of Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team during her impeachment trial, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday. Gatchalian said the Senate management is still studying the request but admitted budget limitations make its approval improbable. “We are still finalizing the arrangements,” Gatchalian told reporters. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on accounts, also opposed the OVP’s request, saying that it would be irregular for the Senate to accommodate a separate caterer because the chamber already has an accredited food service provider selected through the government’s procurement process. Lacson also warned that granting the request could raise issues under the Government Procurement Reform Act. Gatchalian said the Senate would need to prioritize funding for the upcoming budget deliberations and committee hearings, especially since some committee rooms are being used for the impeachment proceedings. “We cannot afford it,” Gatchalian said. “We will have to rent space at the PICC (Philippine International Convention Center).” The Senate is considering renting venues at the PICC to accommodate committee and budget hearings beginning in August while the impeachment trial continues. “With that, we will need additional funds to rent offices. So, in short, we have no funds to provide meals for the prosecution and defense,” he said. Gatchalian said the decision ultimately rests with the Senate management, which will determine whether the request can be accommodated. Lacson said the Senate has available impeachment funds under the continuing appropriations provision of the 2025 General Appropriations Act that may be used to cover meals and other incidental expenses related to the impeachment trial. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab