TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) budget proposal for fiscal year 2026. It includes a presentation of the OVP's accomplishments, budget allocation, and future plans. The budget hearing involves questions from the media and members of Congress, addressing topics such as program implementation, travel expenses, confidential funds, and audit findings.
- The proposed budget for 2026 is ₱902.895 million, a 21.3% increase from 2025.
- Key programs include socioeconomic initiatives, disaster response, and free rides for commuters.
- The OVP aims to maintain an obligation rate above 85% by year-end.
- The budget hearing addresses questions about travel expenses, confidential funds, and audit findings.
OVP Accomplishments and 2026 Budget Proposal [0:00]
The video starts with a presentation showcasing the accomplishments of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). It highlights various programs such as the "Pagba-bagong Pag-asa" campaign, which includes distributing bags and planting trees, and financial assistance to women in Barangay. The OVP also provides free rides to commuters and essential items for Islamic funeral rites. These initiatives aim to provide hope, opportunity, and dignity to Filipinos, especially those in need. The presentation emphasizes the OVP's commitment to working with government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and the private sector to achieve broader and more sustainable impact.
Presentation on the OVP 2026 Budget Proposal [6:11]
Attorney Kelvin Tenido presents the highlights of the OVP's budget under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). The DBM recommended a budget of ₱902.895 million, which is 21.3% higher than the FY 2025 budget. Personal services (PS) account for 23.5% of the total budget, amounting to ₱212.538 million, covering salaries, benefits, and allowances of field personnel. Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) make up 74.62% of the budget, totaling ₱673.753 million, which includes allocations for supplies, materials, financial assistance, travel, and professional services. The capital outlay is 1.84% of the budget, equivalent to ₱16.6 million, for information and communication technology equipment. The presentation also includes a comparative budget of the OVP from 2020 to 2026, showing that the budget will return to pre-2023 levels.
OVP Programs and Accomplishments [10:19]
The OVP allocates ₱275.18 million, or 30.5% of its budget, to various goods and grants under socioeconomic programs. The OVP aims to promote the welfare of every Filipino through its programs and services, maintaining its programs except for the medical and burial assistance program. The 10 satellite offices and one extension office continue to operate in key areas to provide immediate access to services. In 2023, the OVP served 1.78079 individuals and groups, established 470 partnerships, and successfully implemented 99% of planned projects, achieving an average satisfaction rating of 98%. In 2024, the OVP maintained an 85% obligation rate, with a disbursement rate of 86.03%. In the first semester of 2025, the OVP served 595,700 individuals, established 242 partnerships, and implemented 100% of planned projects, achieving a 97% satisfaction rating.
Media Questions on the 2026 Budget [15:13]
Jason from SMNI asks about the implementation of the 2025 programs given the agency's limited budget and whether funds have been exhausted. Norman Boro, the director for operations, responds that the flagship programs are well implemented across the country with the support of satellite offices. Attorney Kelvin Tenido adds that as of June 30, the obligation rate is 34.3% and the OVP is committed to delivering services. Jason also asks about expected challenges during the 2026 deliberations, particularly regarding confidential funds. The OVP team is preparing to answer all questions and defend the proposed budget.
Further Questions on Budget and Travel Expenses [17:54]
Jed from UNTV asks how the OVP prepared for the budget hearing and whether VP Sarah will attend. The OVP has consolidated all reports and considered possible questions. A final answer on VP Sarah's attendance has not been provided. Cat Domingo from ABSCBN asks about the travel expenses of the vice president under the 2025 budget. Attorney Kelvin Tenido states that around ₱20 million has been obligated for foreign travels, including expenses for security and civilian personnel. The allocation for 2026 is also ₱20 million, the lowest since 2023.
Clarifications on Travel Expenses and Future Plans [20:58]
Jay from Bombo Radio asks if Congress will reduce the OVP budget during deliberations. The OVP submits to the wisdom of Congress but would appreciate the recommended budget being maintained. Zak from Inquirer asks for details about VP Sarah's planned trip to Bicol. Details cannot be provided, but it is confirmed that she will go to Bicol. Attorney Kelvin clarifies that the total travel expenses as of July 31 is ₱20.68 million, with ₱13.21 million for local travels and ₱7.47 million for foreign travels. The balances are ₱17.585 million for local and ₱24.026 million for foreign travel.
Details on Foreign Travels and Funding [24:09]
Bella from the Philippines asks about the 13 foreign travels of the vice president and whether trips to Nagoya and Tokyo will continue. Details on the number of destinations are not provided, but it is emphasized that all travels are covered by a travel authority and did not use public funds. The ₱7.47 million was used for the security personnel and civilian personnel. It is confirmed that VP Sarah covers her personal and family expenses, while security expenses are under the OVP fund. Bons Msambal from Rappler asks if the "pagbogado" campaign will still include the friend book by VP Sarah and how much budget is allocated for this. The OVP does not have the friend book.
Budget Hearing Resumes with VP Sara Duterte [32:00]
The budget hearing resumes with Vice President Sara Duterte present. Committee Secretary acknowledges the resource persons and house members present. The proposed allocation of ₱902.895 million for the OVP under the fiscal year 2026 national expenditure program is discussed. Vice Chairperson Jose Pipito Alvarez clarifies that he requested the hearing to be scheduled for Tuesday. VP Sara Duterte states she does not have an opening remark and requests to proceed to the presentation prepared by the office.
Presentation of the OVP's Proposed Budget for 2026 [38:06]
The presentation highlights the OVP's commitment to bringing aid to those in need, emphasizing programs like the "Pagba-bagong Pag-asa" campaign and the "Libreng Sakay" bus. The proposed budget for 2026 is ₱902,895,000. Personal services account for 23.54% of the budget, totaling ₱212,538,000. MOOE accounts for 74.62%, totaling ₱673,753,000, covering various expenses such as travel, training, supplies, and professional services. Capital outlay is 1.84% of the budget, amounting to ₱16,604,000, allocated for ICT equipment. The presentation also includes targets per activity, such as the "Magnegosyo" program, disaster operation, free rides, and wheelchair distribution.
Comparative Budget and Physical Performance [51:37]
The presentation provides a comparative annual budget from 2024 to the proposed 2026 budget, showing the allotment class. It also lists the projects of the OVP, including "Magnegosyo," medical and burial assistance, disaster response operations, and the "Libreng Sakay" program. The 2024 physical performance is highlighted, with 1,780,79 beneficiaries served. The financial performance of the OVP as of December 31, 2024, shows an allotment of ₱2,845,1,000, obligation of ₱1,783,287,000, and disbursements of ₱1,534,228,000. Targets for the performance of the year 2025 are also presented, with a first semester accomplishment of 595,757.
Congressional Questions and Parliamentary Procedures [55:45]
The committee invites questions from members on the utilization of the previous budget and the proposed allocation for fiscal year 2026. Senior Deputy Minority Leader Egay Elise states that the minority believes there are no contentious issues in the OVP budget. A discussion ensues regarding parliamentary courtesy and the right of minority members to ask questions. It is clarified that VP Sara Duterte can choose to answer or waive the privilege.
Questions on Obligation Rate and COA Findings [1:00:56]
Congressman Antonio To asks about the low obligation rate of 34.3% for 2025. The response is that many procurements started in June, July, and August due to required attachments. Congressman Tinio also raises questions about a notice of disallowance issued by the Commission on Audit (COA) for ₱73.28 million in confidential funds. VP Sara suggests that the congressman ask this during the COA hearing.
Inquiries on Confidential Funds and Travel Expenses [1:06:54]
Congressman Tinio continues to question the confidential funds, including accomplishment reports and names in the OVP's submission that have no birth records. VP Sara states that the confidential funds are a matter in impeachment proceedings and she cannot discuss defense strategy or intelligence operations. Congressman Tinio then asks about VP Sara's 13 trips overseas, how many were personal leave, and the total budget spent. VP Sara responds that there is no allotted leave for the president and vice president, and all her travels were travel authority approved by the office of the president. She adds that no public funds were used for her travels.
Debate on Questions and Suspension of Session [1:13:47]
A debate arises regarding the nature of the questions being asked and whether they are appropriate given the parliamentary courtesy being extended. Congressman Marcoleta's use of the term "binanatan" is objected to and a motion is made to strike it from the record. The session is suspended.
Correction on Travel Authority and Resumption of Hearing [1:17:43]
The hearing resumes with VP Sara Duterte correcting herself, stating that the travel authority is approved by the office of the president, not the office of the vice president. The motion to strike the word "binanatan" from the record is carried.
Details on Staff and Security Expenses for Foreign Trips [1:19:51]
Congresswoman Reno asks how the flights and accommodations of the OVP staff and security are funded. VP Sara provides a breakdown of the expenses for security and OVP personnel for various trips, totaling ₱7,473,887.70 for nine trips. Congresswoman Reno requests a detailed copy of the report. VP Sara explains that the Armed Forces of the Philippines recommend 3 to 4 security personnel, but the OVP only approves two, along with three OVP personnel.
Nature of Trips and Unqualified Opinion from COA [1:27:14]
Congresswoman Reno asks if the trips were official in nature. VP Sara responds that if there are activities for the office of the vice president abroad, the three OVP personnel join the trips. Security personnel are decided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Congresswoman Reno then asks about the unqualified opinion issued by the COA and the ₱3.8 million worth of equipment not accounted for. VP Sara states that the OVP received unmodified opinions from COA and attributes comments from COA to system and process improvements.
Assurances on Fiscal Procedures and Termination of Hearing [1:35:31]
Congresswoman Reno asks what assurance the people have that the OVP is following guidelines on disbursement and proper fiscal procedures. VP Sara responds that every time they receive a comment from an auditor, they update their manual of operations. Congresswoman Reno asks why confidential funds were dispersed to security heads instead of the special disbursing officer. VP Sara states that the confidential funds are a subject of impeachment proceedings and she would not like to discuss the defense strategy. Senior Deputy Minority Leader moves to terminate the budget hearing, and the motion is carried. The budget hearing is suspended.