OVP earmarks P32.5M for 'Libreng Sakay' program for 2023

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has earmarked P32.5 million of its proposed P2.3-billion budget for 2023 for its own Libreng Sakay program.

In a presentation before the House appropriations panel on Wednesday, the OVP's budget proposal showed a P32.5-million budget for operation of satellite offices and purchase of various motor vehicles such as passenger van and bus under the Libreng Sakay program. 

The P32.5-million allocation was placed under the transportation capital outlay.

The OVP launched its Libreng Sakay program in August together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The DOTr has requested P12 billion for its service contracting program, which allows its own Libreng Sakay program, for 2023, but it was not granted by the Department of Budget and Management.

Budget Undersecretary for Media Affairs, Community Relations, and Internal Audit Goddes Libiran earlier said the service contracting program is a non-recurring or one-time expenditure item.

The Libreng Sakay program of the DOTr was launched in late 2020 under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act to help commuters and those in the public transport sector affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the OVP proposed P10 million in land capital outlay to be used for downpayment on the planned land acquisition where the permanent OVP office will be constructed.

The total capital outlay budget for the OVP only accounts for 2% of its proposed P2.3-billion budget, the bulk of which will be for maintenance and other operating expenses, including P500 million in confidential funds. —KBK, GMA News