Several lawmakers from the lower chamber of Congress pushed for an increase of up to ₱1 billion for the Office of the Vice President so its projects can help more Filipinos affected by the pandemic.
Vice President Leni Robredo defended her office’s budget herself before the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday.
She said that while they try to “make do” with the resources they have, a bigger amount will surely help them assist more vulnerable sectors with their programs.
The OVP has requested a budget of ₱720 million for 2021, but the Department of Budget and Management has only approved ₱679 million under the National Expenditure Program.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez recommended a 10 percent-increase in the OVP budget, but Baguio City Rep. Mark Go and Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite noted that the budget should either be doubled or at least reach over ₱1 billion, as the approved ₱679 million would be “too meager” for their operations.
Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado pointed out that it is “ironic” for the OVP to have the smallest budget allocation “in the entire bureaucracy,” while it still manages to earn the highest audit rating for two straight years.
Lawmakers will finalize the 2021 budget for the OVP during the plenary debates.
