VILLANUEVA CRITIQUES HOUSE PANEL’S HANDLING OF OVP BUDGET CUTS

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed his disagreement with the House panel on appropriations’ decision to cut the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2025 budget by over 50%, stressing the importance of upholding House traditions.

Villanueva highlighted that, while the budget cut was not mandated by law or official rules, respecting institutional traditions is crucial.

He noted that previous practices have seen the OVP budget receive thorough deliberation, and he questioned the inconsistency in how the budget is being handled this year compared to previous years.

Villanueva also suggested that there are alternative ways to scrutinize the use of OVP funds, such as through resolutions or investigations by the Commission on Audit.

The House panel’s budget reduction, which slashes the OVP budget from PHP 2.03 billion to PHP 733 million, aims to redirect funds to other agencies like the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Source: PhilNews24 | September 14, 2024