Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday addressed the absence of Office of the Vice President (OVP) officials at a House inquiry into the office’s budget, explaining that they were engaged in preparation for the OVP’s 89th anniversary activities. Scheduled for November 15, the celebration involves OVP personnel deployed across the country to support events at various satellite offices.
During a press briefing, Duterte noted, “Personnel from the central office were dispatched to satellite offices nationwide for thanksgiving activities marking the OVP anniversary.”
Four OVP officials, including Lemuel Ortonio, Gina Acosta, Sunshine Fajarda, and Edward Fajarda, were cited in contempt by the House panel after multiple no-shows in the budget probe. The contempt order mandates their detention at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. These officials are also among seven OVP staffers named in an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The House good government and public accountability committee had issued a subpoena for these officials to testify on the office’s budget, including the use of confidential funds. The officials cited their right to decline attendance as they were invited as resource persons.
Duterte expressed concern over how the proposed 2025 budget cut might impact key OVP projects, including free bus rides and financial assistance provided through satellite offices. The Senate Committee on Finance recently endorsed a reduced budget for the OVP at PHP 733 million, down from the initially proposed PHP 2 billion in the National Expenditure Program.
While the OVP’s ten satellite and two extension offices are slated to continue operations until December 31, 2024, Duterte indicated uncertainty for 2025, pending final approval of the General Appropriations Act.
“If the budget cuts proceed, initiatives like the Libreng Sakay may be affected. However, we’re prepared to make necessary adjustments to sustain our programs,” Duterte noted, citing her prior experience managing limited resources as Davao City mayor.
Meanwhile, the OVP has yet to appoint a spokesperson following the departure of Atty. Michael Poa, whose consultancy contract recently ended. Duterte welcomed recommendations for a new spokesperson, leaving the position open for now.