Vice President Sara Duterte faced the Senate to advocate for her office’s proposed 2025 budget. The plea aimed to reverse a significant P1.3 billion reduction implemented after a House inquiry raised allegations of fund misuse. Duterte’s presence at the Senate plenary session underscored the urgent need to secure financial resources for the Office of the Vice President.
The Senate eventually approved a P733-million budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Duterte argued that the cut could lead to the closure of satellite offices and result in job losses for approximately 200 employees. She emphasized the essential services provided by these offices and warned that the budget cut could disrupt operations.
Senate allies of Duterte expressed their commitment to restoring the budget. They argued that the restoration of funds was crucial to maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Vice President’s office. Some senators presented the case for the reinstatement, highlighting the potential impact on public services if the budget remained reduced.
The deliberations saw Duterte addressing the Senate directly. She appealed for understanding and support, explaining the necessity of the full budget to achieve the office’s objectives. Her argument rested on the premise that a reduced budget would compromise the OVP’s capabilities to deliver its mandate effectively.
Despite the approval of the smaller budget, Duterte’s allies within the Senate signaled their intention to revisit the allocation. They aim to pursue additional measures to secure the required funds. The presence of supportive senators suggested potential ongoing efforts to address the budget shortfall.
The process of budget deliberation involves careful consideration by lawmakers. Duterte’s appearance was part of a strategic effort to influence the outcome in favor of her office’s financial needs. The Vice President urged the senators to reconsider the cut, linking the budget’s adequacy to the overall wellbeing of public service provisions.
In response to the allegations of fund misuse, Duterte’s office maintained its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Vice President’s team refuted the claims, insisting on adherence to legal and ethical standards in handling funds. They expressed openness to audits and reviews to clarify the situation and restore public confidence.