THE House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday reviewed the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed ₱785.204-million budget for 2027, representing an 11.7 percent reduction from the office’s allocation this year.
The hearing was presided over by Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, vice chair of the appropriations panel chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing.
Alvarez reminded lawmakers to limit their questions to the OVP’s proposed expenditures, noting that other matters concerning Vice President Sara Duterte are already being considered by the Senate impeachment court.
During the budget deliberations, OVP Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez said the office intends to expand access to government assistance, particularly in underserved communities and among marginalized sectors.
According to the OVP, about 24.6 percent of its proposed 2027 budget would be allocated for goods and grants under its socioeconomic programs. These initiatives are expected to benefit around 1.4 million Filipinos.
Among the programs the OVP plans to continue are Magnegosyo Ta ’Day, the PagbaBAGo Campaign, disaster response operations, R.I.I.C.E. food bags, Kalusugan Food Trucks, Libreng Sakay, You Can Be VP, wheelchair distribution, and Al-Janazah burial kits.
The OVP said these programs are intended to provide direct assistance and bring government services closer to communities that have limited access to public support.
Budget Division Chief Administrative Officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido said the office would continue efforts to provide efficient, accessible and responsive services while complementing the programs and functions of other government agencies.
The proposed ₱785.204-million allocation will now undergo further scrutiny as Congress continues its deliberations on the national government’s proposed 2027 budget.
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