House hearing for OVP budget done in 10 minutes
From left: Appropriations chair and AKO BICOL Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, peaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe. Photo courtesy of House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook
It was over in 10 minutes.
The House Committee on Appropriations swiftly terminated the budget briefing of the Office of the Vice President — without questions.
The OVP submitted a P2.3-billion budget for 2023, a huge jump from its 2022 budget of P713 million.
House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan moved to terminate the proceedings after around 10 minutes, noting that Minority bloc members will reserve their questions for the plenary deliberations.
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for supporting her office's programs.
She added she's willing to work with House representatives in their respective districts, as well as with party-list groups.
"If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know. We are willing to collaborate in helping our fellow Filipinos," she told the panel.
The OVP'S proposed P2.3 billion budget includes P500 million in confidential funds, while its priority programs include good governance programs on financial subsidy, medical and burial assistance, as well provisions for free bus rides across the country.
