The Philippine Senate has given its approval to a proposed budget of PHP 733.198 million for the Vice President’s office for the year 2025. The decision, made on Wednesday, was part of a swift plenary session that saw the proposal pass in less than ten minutes. Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, a known ally of Vice President Sara Duterte, made the motion for approval. The session saw Vice President Duterte in attendance as senators discussed the budget allocations.
The approved budget is significantly lower than the original proposal of PHP 2.037 billion. This reduction came after deliberations within the House of Representatives, which earlier recommended a cut to the Vice President’s budget. The reduction has been a point of contention among some lawmakers and members of the public. However, the Senate’s approval indicates a willingness to proceed with the reduced budget.
Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, another ally of Duterte, has voiced intentions to revisit the budget cuts. Go aims to restore the original amount proposed for the Vice President’s office. He expressed concern that the reduced budget might hinder the office’s operations and limit its programs and services. Go stated that discussions with fellow lawmakers are ongoing to address these concerns.
The proposed budget for the Vice President’s office includes allocations for various programs under her leadership. These programs are designed to provide social services and assistance to the public. Vice President Duterte’s office has outlined plans to increase the reach of its flagship programs, targeting a larger number of beneficiaries in 2025.
The decision to cut the budget has not been without criticism. Some lawmakers have argued that the Vice President’s office requires adequate funding to carry out its programs effectively. They stress that the cuts could impact the office’s ability to deliver on its commitments to the public.
The approval of the 2025 budget for the Vice President’s office comes amid broader discussions on the national budget. The 2025 national budget, which amounts to PHP 6.352 trillion, has been a topic of debate among lawmakers. Various sectors have called for adjustments to address the country’s economic needs and priorities.
As the Senate proceeds with the approved budget, discussions continue regarding the potential restoration of the original funding proposal. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Vice President’s office must work within the constraints of the approved budget for now.