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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OVP justifies huge increase in its 2023 proposed budget

OVP justifies huge increase in its 2023 proposed budget

Published Sep 22, 2022 01:20 pm

The Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) various social programs and the establishment of satellite offices around the country justifies its P2.3-billion proposed budget for 2023, a lawmaker said on Thursday, Sept. 22, during the ongoing budget debates in the House of Representatives.

Vice President Sara Duterte (OVP photo)

Admitting that the OVP has the highest increase in terms of percentage in its 2023 proposed appropriation compared to the current year General Appropriations Act (GAA), Davao de Oro 1st district Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, sponsor of the OVP’s budget, told lawmakers that the OVP will adjust its budget based on the approval of the chamber.

“The OVP will operate based on the amount being proposed and if there will be extension or establisment of more, then there will be (an) adjustment based on whatever is given by Congress as appropriation for the OVP,” Zamora, vice chair of the appropriations committee, said.

Zamora explained that the OVP’s proposed budget will be used to “cascade” social services to the regional and provincial level, as well as the establishment of regional offices, which “is new probably compared to the previous vice presidents".

Currently, the OVP has established satellite offices in Dagupan, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Davao, Surigao del Sur, and Bacolod.

Each of these offices would need “an estimate of P150 million” for personal services and allocations for medical and burial assistance and other social services programs, Zamora said.

READ: VP Duterte leaves it to House to decide on OVP‘s P500-M confidential fund

“Hence, this proposal that it amounted to this much at P2 billion because of the intention of the OVP to operate these regional and satellite offices,” the lawmaker added.

Zamora’s defense of the OVP’s proposed budget came amid the questions from Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman, who raised concerns that the previous OVP’s annual appropriation was only P639 million.

The 2023 proposed budget, according to Zamora, reflected a 226.58 percent increase.

Duterte’s request for a P2.3-billion budget for the OVP, which includes P500 million in confidential funds, drew criticisms from opposition lawmakers.

A huge chunk of the proposed budget—around P2.2 billion—will be allocated to the OVP’s “good governance program", which includes livelihood programs, medical assistance, burial assistance, Libreng Sakay (free rides), and the PagbaBAGo campaign in public schools.

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