House panel forgoes questions, terminates hearing on OVP's P2.3B budget for 2023

Not a single lawmaker asked a question during the hearing on the proposed P2.3 billion budget of the Office of Vice President before the House appropriations panel on Wednesday.

Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps party-list made the motion to terminate the proceedings in less than 12 minutes "as courtesy to the Vice President."

He said the Makabayan bloc lawmakers, who belong to the minority bloc, will just ask their questions during plenary deliberations.

In response, Vice President Sara Duterte thanked the lawmakers for their support.

"Thank you for your support for the programs of the Office of the Vice President," she said.

"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 added.

The OVP's proposed P2.3 billion budget includes P500 million in confidential funds. The OVP's current budget is just at P713 million.

OVP spokesperson Atty. Reynold Munsayac earlier said they will be transparent in the utilization of the proposed P2.3 billion budget for next year.

Of the total amount, P2.2 billion will be set aside for new appropriations for general administration and support, and operations; while P12.7 million will go to automatic appropriations for retirement and life insurance premiums.

The P2.2 billion also included funding of the current OVP's good governance program on financial subsidy, medical and burial assistance, and free bus ridership, among others.

Munsayac said the confidential fund will be used for their projects to maintain peace and order and national security.

He added it will be utilized in compliance with the joint circular issued by the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit.—AOL, GMA News