PASAY CITY — The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P2.3 Billion budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2023, with several senators expressing full support for Vice President Sara Duterte’s ongoing and proposed programs.

Duterte presented her office’s proposed budget before the Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. She was also slated to present the proposed budget for the Department of Education.

Through a video presentation, the OVP presented the ongoing and proposed programs of the office such as the creation of satellite offices, Disaster Risk Relief Operations Center, Medical and Burial assistance program, Libreng Sakay program, PagbaBAGo Campaign, and Kalusugan Food Trucks. The economic and livelihood project Mag Negosyo ‘Ta Day, Peace 911, and the building of the permanent home of the Office of the Vice President will be implemented early next year.

Duterte said the OVP intends to continue its operations of the satellite offices since “these are the offices that cascade down the projects of the central office.”

“When we came in, we saw that the medical and burial assistance of the Office of the Vice President, which started during the term of Vice President Noli De Castro, was concentrated in the NCR area. So these satellite offices deliver those assistance to the areas where we established them,” Duterte said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he “will always support the budget of the OVP whoever the Vice President may be,” and appealed to give the same due courtesy given to the previous vice presidents when it comes to budget.

“I know for a fact that this Vice President is a very hardworking Vice President. She has the heart for the Filipino people and she only wants the best for our people,” Zubiri said.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla also pushed for the approval of the OVP’s budget, even lauding Duterte’s initiative of creating satellite offices throughout the country.

“Naniniwala po ako na ang Office of the Vice President is in good hands, and is bound to achieve new and greater heights. VP Inday Sara’s leadership is a testament of excellent governance. She will be able to empower the office to provide policies and programs that will ultimately uplift the lives of Filipinos,” Revilla said

Some 40 minutes into the hearing, Revilla moved for its termination.

This was seconded by Zubiri.

OVP MEDIA