The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has spent P20.68 million for Vice President Sara Duterte’s local and foreign trips from January to July this year, Duterte’s office said on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Citing budget documents, OVP Budget Division chief Atty. Kelvin Gerome Tenido said that of the P20.68 million, P13.21 million was spent on local travels and P7.47 million for foreign trips of the Vice President.

However, Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio stressed that “all the travel overseas of the Vice President is covered by a travel authority and did not use any public funds.”

Tenido also clarified that the travel fund spent as of July 2025 covers only the expenses of Duterte’s security personnel as the Vice President shoulders her personal expenses.

This report came ahead of the budget deliberations set before Congress and the Senate for the OVP’s proposed P902.895 million budget for 2026.

Of that number, Tenido said P20 million—the lowest allocation made since 2023–has been allocated for Duterte’s trips next year.

Meanwhile, Ortonio assured that the OVP is prepared to answer all questions that will be asked during the budget hearings before Congress.

“We are ready to answer any questions that will be asked of the team for tomorrow,” he said, referring to the budget deliberations before the House of Representatives on Friday, Sept. 12. “So we are collating all the necessary documentation for us to be able to properly defend the proposed budget.”

Ortonio stressed that the OVP will “submit to the wisdom of the Congress” if it decides to reduce their 2026 budget.

“However, we would appreciate much the recommended budget for 2026 will be maintained and approved for the OVP,” he added.

The official also said that they are awaiting confirmation from the Senate but is nonetheless preparing to submit the necessary documents for the budget hearing in the upper chamber.

Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez will sponsor the OVP’s budget in the House of Representatives, according to Ortonio.