OVP reports 85.55% utilization of P2-B budget in 2024

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte utilized 85.55% of its P2.084-billion budget allocated in fiscal year 2024.

In its 2024 accomplishment report, the OVP reported that it used P1.783 billion of its budget as of December 31, 2024.

"This utilization rate [of 85.55%] is attributed to the operations and successful implementation of socio-economic services and programs of the OVP," the office said. 

The OVP also logged a total of 1,780,079 beneficiaries in all its programs in 2024, with the office's free bus ride program having the highest number of beneficiaries at 1,025,275.

Aside from the Libreng Sakay program, the OVP also has a PagbaBAGo campaign with 227,958 beneficiaries, medical assistance with 154,565 beneficiaries, and Rice Food Bags with 144,808, among others.

Last year, the House of Representatives decided to reduce the 2025 budget of the OVP from the originally proposed P2 billion to P733 million amid Duterte's refusal to answer lawmakers' questions on OVP budget use, including confidential funds.

The Senate retained the House-introduced budget cut despite calls from Duterte's allies to restore some of the OVP's proposed funding for social services.

Duterte lamented the budget cut, saying that some 200 OVP personnel could lose their jobs and several projects of her office would have to be halted.

For fiscal year 2026, OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo said the proposed budget of the OVP increased by P170 million. 

Duterte's office initially made a proposal of P733 million for next year, retaining the office's 2025 budget, but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) increased it to P803.6 million, which further grew to a total of P903 million, upon the request of the OVP. — VDV, GMA Integrated News