The Office of the Vice President assured the public that it would be transparent in spending its proposed P2.3 billion budget for next year, according to its spokesperson Atty. Reynold Munsayac.
“We will be transparent in using that fund to see that it is used correctly and that all goes to the people who need help,” Munsayac said.
The OVP —under Vice President Sara Z. Duterte — has asked Congress for a budget of P2,305,396,000 funding for 2023 and of the total amount, P2.2 billion will be used for new appropriations for general administration and support, and operations, while P12.7 million will be allocated for automatic appropriations for retirement and life insurance premiums.
Munsayac explained that a big chunk of the budget would be used to support OVP’s priority projects on basic social services and financial subsidy — which include medical assistance, burial assistance, libreng sakay and livelihood programs.
“Some people are asking why the budget of the OVP increased. Well, it’s bad if our projects are questionable. This will be given directly to our countrymen who really need help,” Munsayac said.
He added that the OVP has now seven satellite field offices in seven regions of the country.
“The intention of the OVP is really to make these services and assistance available to majority of our countrymen, most especially from the far-flung areas. We want to reach out all our fellow Filipinos,” Munsayac said.
Munsayac also defended the OVP’s P500 million confidential fund, saying it will be used for their projects to maintain peace and order and national security.
“The confidential fund was requested and will be utilized using the parameters set by the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit,” Munsayac said, adding that this will used in compliance with the joint circular issued by the DBM and CoA.
He added, “Of course, the position and mandate of the Vice President allows her to utilize those kind of funds regarding peace and order and national security, especially we have livelihood projects that will be implemented in conflict areas in our attempt to maintain peace and order and pursue national security projects.”