PRESS CONFERENCE (SEPTEMBER 12, 2024)

Summary

The Committee on Appropriations has recommended a reduced budget for the Office of the Vice President, cutting it by 1.293 billion pesos. The cut is to be divided between the DSWD AX Program and the DOH MAIP Program. The decision is not yet final and is pending approval by Congress. The proposed budget of 2.07 billion pesos was reduced to 733.1 million pesos, affecting items like financial assistance, professional services, utility expenses, and lease expenses. The rationale behind the cuts was based on the number of satellite offices and the redundancy of social programs compared to previous administrations.

Takeaways

• 🔔 The Committee on Appropriations decided on a reduced budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which is not yet a final approval by Congress but a recommendation.
• 📉 The budget cut for OVP is proposed to be split between the DSWD A&X program and the DOH MAIP program, two significant social protection programs.
• 🗓️ The budget process includes multiple stages such as plenary debates, Senate deliberations, bicameral meetings, and ratification, culminating in the President's approval.
• 🏢 The OVP's budget reduction includes cuts in financial assistance, professional services, utility expenses, supplies, materials, and lease expenses.
• 💼 The OVP is currently maintaining more satellite offices compared to previous Vice Presidents, which has influenced the decision on lease expenses.
• 🏥 The rationale behind transferring funds is to ensure better implementation and service delivery through established government agencies like DSWD and DOH.
• 🚫 There is no specific recommendation to cut contracts or hire personnel; the budget execution is left to the executive branch's discretion.
• 💼 The professional services budget previously allocated to OVP consultants will be transferred to DSWD and DOH to support their programs.
• 🚗 The Free Ride Program's budget is not directly affected by the proposed cuts, as previous procurements and remaining funds for operational expenses are considered sufficient.
• 🗣️ The committee encourages the Vice President to attend plenary debates for better communication and justification of their budget requirements.

Q & A

What was the decision made by the Committee on Appropriations regarding the Office of the Vice President's budget?

The Committee on Appropriations decided to recommend a reduced budget for the Office of the Vice President, amounting to a cut of 1.293 billion pesos. This recommendation is not yet a final approval by Congress, but a proposal for plenary debates.

How will the budget reduction be allocated between the two programs mentioned?

The budget reduction will be split between the DSWD A&X program, which assists individuals in crisis situations, and the DOH MAIP program, which provides medical assistance for indigent and financially incapacitated patients.

What is the proposed budget for the Office of the Vice President after the reduction?

After the reduction, the proposed budget for the Office of the Vice President is 733,100,8 million pesos.

Is there a possibility that the budget cut could be different if the Senate approves a different version?

Yes, if the Senate approves a different version of the budget, there will be a need for a bicameral meeting to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions before final approval.

What is the purpose of transferring funds from the Office of the Vice President to DSWD and DOH?

The purpose of transferring funds to DSWD and DOH is to ensure that social protection programs are adequately funded and to streamline the implementation of these programs through agencies that have a proven track record in service delivery.

How does the budget reduction affect the Vice President's satellite offices?

The budget reduction includes a significant cut in lease expenses, which may impact the operation of the Vice President's satellite offices. However, the exact implications would depend on how the remaining budget is executed.

Is the Office of the Vice President allowed to accept donations to supplement their budget?

Yes, the Office of the Vice President is allowed to accept donations, as long as they come from domestic sources or, if from foreign governments, they have clearance from the Office of the President.

What is the impact of the budget cuts on the 'Libreng Sakay' program of the Office of the Vice President?

The 'Libreng Sakay' program may not be significantly affected as the budget cuts do not directly target this program. However, any impact would depend on the final budget allocation and how the remaining funds are utilized.

Why did the Committee on Appropriations decide to reduce the budget for professional services?

The Committee decided to reduce the budget for professional services, including consultants, because it seemed excessive and there were concerns about the efficiency and necessity of such expenditures.

What is the role of the Vice President in the budget execution process?

The Vice President's role in the budget execution process is to implement the budget as approved by Congress. The specifics of how the budget is spent, including on security and satellite offices, are up to the executive branch.

What is the significance of the Vice President attending the budget hearing?

The attendance of the Vice President at the budget hearing is significant as it allows for direct communication and clarification of the budget needs and justifications. It is traditionally expected that all branches of government participate in the budget process.