Senator Jinggoy Estrada has called on lawmakers to restore the proposed P2 billion budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2025 to ensure its proper functioning.
“How will the OVP function if its budget is slashed? Remember, she is the second highest official of the country and deserves respect and dignity,” Estrada said in a radio interview, referring to Vice President Sara Duterte.
Estrada’s statement follows a recommendation from a House panel to cut the OVP’s budget by P1.29 billion. Marikina Representative Stella Quimbo, Senior Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, explained that the reduction was due to a “lack of information” on the proposal.
Estrada acknowledged the need to scrutinize the budget but emphasized that it should be restored if justified. “I don’t see anything wrong with examining the budget, but if it is justified, we need to intervene.”
Senator Francis Tolentino added that any final decision regarding the OVP budget would be ironed out in the bicameral conference committee if the Senate and House of Representatives present differing views.
Vice President Duterte, meanwhile, has stated that her office is prepared to operate with a “zero budget,” calling the proposed reduction an “attack” on her office.
“We are ready to work even without a budget. Our office and operations are small, so we can manage,” Duterte said in a recorded interview.